Spain’s draconian lockdown seems to be heading towards a slow conclusion, and with fines for breaking the lockdown laws ranging from €601 up to €10,400 the public are about to breathe a huge sigh of relief.

During the first month of lockdown from March 15th more than half a million penalties were issued by Government forces across Spain. Over 5,000 people were also arrested.

But the biggest fines of all are soon to come into place when movements are no longer restricted and the ‘new normal’ begins.

A New Normal

The new normal is likely to see the end of Spain’s traditional cash (or black) economy. This will entail an anticipated crackdown on the legions of unregistered workers who fill bars and restaurants, work on building sites, maintain pools and gardens, cut hair and paint nails, and transport various goods in an army of white vans.

It is well known that Spanish employment laws are strict. Tax, social security payments, creating a company and becoming ‘legal’ all have very high costs in Spain compared with the UK. There is no doubt that these are the reasons why many seek to work under the radar and participate in the black economy.

COVID-19

But with billions spent fighting the Covid-19 crisis, the government will need to claw this back somehow, and there will be few people who can begrudge the authorities attempting to claw back funds by enforcing what is legal.

Fortunately, this is not a concern for any of the team connected with Indalo Transport and Indalo Storage. All of our workers are correctly registered and fully legal. They are fully able to look after your treasured possessions whilst working within the laws of both Spain and the UK. In fact, we welcome the fact that there will now be a more level playing field, as we have always found it difficult to compete on price with illegal ‘man & vans’ who don’t care about having proper insurances or being legally permitted to work.

Undeclared Work

This paragraph is taken from a recent paper published by the Department of Labour Law and Social Security Law Faculty and sums up the Spanish view on illegal workers here in Spain.

“Undeclared work is fraud that has serious consequences for society as a whole, where those who comply with the established rules suffer the effects twice over:

firstly, because those who are working off the books do not contribute as they should to the sustainability of public finances, and in particular to the public social protection system, thus forcing those who declare their work to shoulder this financial burden; and

secondly, because those in regular employment receive fewer services than they would if everyone contributed their share to public spending”.

As we have seen with the fines under lockdown, the Spanish authorities are not afraid to impose large penalties when laws are broken. When employment laws are broken, there are even larger fines to pay, and also back taxes have to be repaid with interest, and the same thing happens with social security payments, too.

A civil penalty from €2,000 up to €200,000 per illegal worker can be imposed by the Central Office of Labour.

Payment in Cash?

Mates rates, working for a drink, and payment in cash is always tempting when you need a job done. But it is a sobering thought if you consider that It is also illegal for you to contract the services of those who wish to work illegally under the radar.

The Office of Labour, Social Affairs and Family can impose fines of €5,000 for employing illegal workers.

Let me just repeat that – this means you, as a member of the public, can be fined €5,000 by the Spanish State if you employ someone who isn’t allowed to work in Spain.

During lockdown those able to work have been required to carry documentary evidence of their legal working status – called Autonomo.

These papers have been demanded at numerous roadblocks and checkpoints. Just so you are under no illusion of the scope of the fines at the moment, the full list is reproduced below.

Huge Fines during Lockdown

As things change, with movements only being allowed within municipalities and then within provinces, these checks are likely to become more common. Who would argue against them becoming a regular occurence in the ‘new normal’, to help protect us until a vaccine is produced?

So, if you are considering a local removal within Spain or thinking about a trans European move between Spain and the UK you should always consider the legal status of your mover.

It’s in your best interests to ensure they are legally allowed to work for you.

Giving a mate a drink, or going for a cash price, might not cut it in the future.

There can be several reasons British citizens choose to pack up their life in the UK and emigrate abroad. Whether it’s to improve the quality of their family’s life, reduce the cost of living, relocate for work or simply for a change of scenery, migrating overseas is a popular choice amongst the UK population. According to the Office for National Statistics, around 397,000 people emigrated from the UK in 2019 alone – that’s over 1,000 people a day!

So, what are the countries that are seeing the highest level of migration from UK expats and why?

Australia

Top of our list is the land down under – notorious for its endless summers. UK expats moving to Australia are drawn to the warmer climate, friendly Aussie culture and the pleasant work-life-balance.

Moving to Australia: UK expat trends

In 2017, Australia topped the charts as the most popular relocation destination for Brits, with over 1.3m UK migrants. Over the past three years we’ve seen a steady number of families and partners moving to live the winter sun dream, thanks to the highly rated education system, salary attraction and as it’s a retirement hotspot.

Best places for expats in Australia

There are so many great destinations for UK expats in Australia. If you’re emigrating with your family, Canberra is a good choice thanks to its small-town feel and affordable property. Perth is renowned for its UK expat community due to its warmer climate and scenic views. Career orientated individuals tend to opt for Sydney or Melbourne because of the job opportunities available.

Spain

Spain has always been a prime location for UK migration; home to beautiful beaches and first class healthcare. The property buying procedure is not as expensive and is less hassle than in the UK. The cost-effective way of living comes without the culture shock – plus, as an added bonus afternoon naps or ‘siestas’ are the norm.

Moving to Spain: UK expat trends

Property purchases by Brits have risen by 13% since 2016, with 7,613 purchases in the first six months of 2018. We’ve seen a slight fall in UK expats moving to Spain between 2016 and 2017 due to the impact of the Brexit referendum, but numbers have been on the rise since 2018.

Best places to live in Spain

We’ve found that most Brits tend to move to Alicante (Costa Blanca) or Malaga (Costa del Sol) – both regions are renowned for their stunning scenery, noticeably warmer climate and English speaking locals.

Canada

Canada was ranked 3rd on the Expat Explorer Survey, scoring high for its education, level of disposable income, economic stability, welcoming communities and quality of life. Between 6,000 – 9,000 UK expats move to Canada each year, making it one of the most popular destinations for migration.

Moving to Canada: UK expat trends

There’s been a spike in UK residents moving to Canada since the 2016 referendum, with over 620,000 migrants moving there in 2017. Now the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced their plans to move to Canada, we can only predict that this destination will continue to rise in popularity.

Best places for expats in Canada

Canada has many hotspots for UK expats, depending on the reason for emigrating. Vancouver is a popular option for rural and scenic views. Toronto has a diverse and international community with great career prospects, whereas Montreal has a fantastic work-life balance and affordable property markets.

New Zealand

Despite New Zealand being the adventure capital of the world, UK expats are drawn to the more relaxed way of the Kiwi life, ranking the 5th best place on Expat Explorer Survey for expats to move to. Did you know that there are so many great job opportunities in New Zealand? Trades are high in demand and are often paid better than the UK too.

Moving to New Zealand: UK expat trends

Net migration by Brits reached over 6,000 in 2017, almost double the figures of 2015. We’ve seen a yo-yo effect of people moving to New Zealand since then, with the number of new migrants each month decreasing in May-July each year, with the peak time for emigrating being around January.

Best places for expats in New Zealand

Auckland is a popular city for expats; a vibrant city that’s great for families thanks to its safety, stability and diverse culture along with a world class education system. Other popular destinations include Queenstown, Napier and Rotorua.

France

France has one of the largest British-born populations. Pros of immigrating to France include the divine wining and dining, the excellent education system that offers after-school support, and the proven property markets. There’s a healthy work-life balance – the working week is only 35 hours, leisurely lunch breaks are a must, and there’s an average of 5 weeks paid holiday.

Moving to France: UK expat trends

In 2017, there was an estimated 190,000 Brits living in France. Over the past three years we’ve seen a huge increase in people moving there from the UK, desperate to relocate ahead of the Brexit deadline. Britons still represent the largest portion of overseas buyers in the French property market, accounting for 26% of international sales in 2018.

Best places to live in France

We’ve found that the high in demand places are Paris and the South of France. Paris is one of the most iconic cities in the world, with famous building structures and scenic locations, coupled with accessible transport links. The South of France boasts 300 days of sun a year, offering a change of lifestyle and increased quality of life. If you’re looking for a location out of the ordinary, some of the best places for UK expats to live France are Lyon for more cost-effective living and stunning scenery; Montpellier, for its thriving expat community and job opportunities; Bordeaux, for a laid back and relaxed lifestyle; or Pau, thanks to its outdoor vibe and accessibility to activities such as hiking and skiing.

USA

Emigrating to the USA to live the American dream is something that appeals to many UK expats. Home to one of the world’s biggest economies, the USA has one of the largest career markets for professionals looking to progress. By moving to America, UK expats seek to increase their living standard.

Moving to America: UK expat trends

Around 1.3million UK expats live in the USA and Canada, with around 24% of these expats being retired. However, despite America being overly popular with UK expats seeking a better quality of life, we’ve found that it isn’t uncommon for expats to move back before retirement due to healthcare expenses and taxes.

Best places to live in America

Denver is popular for business-minded people. If you’re looking for affordable property, quality of life and tropical weather, Kissimmee in Florida is a worth researching. Of course, we can’t forget New York; the vibrant city that never sleeps, renowned for its stock market and career prospects. San Francisco is also popular thanks to its financial stability, low unemployment rate and high average salary (of around $74,841).

Dubai

As well as the year-long sunshine, one of the most attractive elements of emigrating to UAE (United Arab Emirates) and Dubai is that all earnings are tax free (make sure your check tax residency to maximise this). Living and working in cities like Dubai is a great way to fast track your career with the vast amount of professional opportunities available. The vibrant business economies are always after English-speaking employees to work in their companies.

Moving to UAE: UK expat trends

There are between 100,000-200,000 UK expats living in UAE. 41% of Brits move there to improve their quality of life. Over the past year or so we’ve been seeing a slight decline in people wanting to move to UAE, mainly because of Brexit uncertainty. In the next year or so, we expect to see a rapid rise of expats looking to move to Dubai and UAE now Brexit is coming to a head.

How to prepare your finances when moving abroad

When emigrating from the UK, you’ll need to transfer your funds into a bank account in the country you’re relocating to. However, this can cost you considerably more than you originally anticipated. Using a high street bank to send your savings abroad to fund your emigration can cost anything from hundreds to thousands of pounds in additional fees.

Foreign exchange providers, such as RationalFX, offer a cost-effective, secure and simple solution to help UK expats to reduce costs and make their money go further. RationalFX offer competitive exchange rates, no hidden fees or charges and a personalised service to ensure expats get the most out of their hard-earned money.

To get in contact with a currency specialist at RationalFX, visit their website here

Wherever you choose to move, make sure you contact Indalo Transport to take care of the very important task of moving your treasured belongings to your chosen new country. With regular trips to and from Europe, and removal trade contacts on every continent, we can help you make your expat dream a reality. Visit our Quote Page now

A cautionary tale!

Expats, and Brits in particular, are very resourceful when it comes to making a living. Here in Spain we see many businesses spring up with regularity, all looking to carve their own niche in a crowded market.

The basic rule seems to be that if there is something you need or want, you should always be able to find someone who can provide it.

You can wake up anywhere along the Spanish Costas, let the cleaner in, go off for a full English, or have a decent coffee, and join in a yoga class, before dropping your car in for a service.

Then you can hire a bike to ride to your Spanish language class, have another coffee, before heading off to the aqua-aerobic session in a cooling swimming pool by the beach. After an hour or so at the beach you can lunch on tapas, chill out at the Mindfulness and Well-being retreat, learn how to paint landscapes, have afternoon tea, then maybe a haircut or make-over, and finish the day off by taking the bike back and picking up the car.

You can then go home to check on the gardener and the job the pool man did cleaning your pool. You can then marvel at the works done by your team of builders and decorators, before getting ready to go out again for a meal, take in a band, or join in a quiz. All after your dance class of course. The possibilities are seemingly endless.

A great place to live

Happily, British entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well and is everywhere to be seen along the Costas. From gardeners, painters, builders, cleaners, mechanics, nail technicians, dressmakers, artists, singers, to on-line marketeers and cosmetics distributers. All these vie for your attention with Man and Van services, Language Tutors, Interpreters, Dance Instructors, Yoga Gurus, Fitness Coaches, Well-being and Mindfulness Centres, and of course every building trade going.

Everything is available by recommendation or a click/like on social media, and everyone is in competition for your “shares” and “likes”. It’s great, all you need is just a click away. It’s a true reflection of the modern connected society we are all now living in.

Being entrepreneurial is all well and good, and very commendable. But sometimes it does come at a cost. I have huge admiration for those that have become established and operate their businesses in accordance with the correct laws and regulations in the new country they have chosen to call home.

However, it seems that not everyone can do what they say. Sometimes not everyone is as honest, or legal, as you may think. Recently I’ve had a couple of instances that illustrate just how costly it could be for you, as an unwitting victim. The first story is about someone who didn’t really seem to care who did a job for her – whilst in the other story the lady took a bit more time and got a completely different result.

Please Help

The first instance started very late one Friday night. I noticed, via facebook, the plight of a lady in South West England who had been waiting all day for a ‘man with a van’ to collect her furniture and belongings and transport them to Spain. He didn’t turn up, then he didn’t answer the phone, respond to emails, or even reply to repeated appeals on social media. What he did was simply pocket the £700 cash given to him several weeks before and then disappear. What he did was despicable. I therefore sent a message to this lady saying I would do what I could to help.

The following morning, I spoke to her on the phone. She said that she was flying to Spain the next day and therefore whatever I could arrange would have to be done quickly.

Liking a challenge, I got on the phone and managed to find a solution at very short notice. By using our network of legal and accredited removal companies belonging to the Move Assured trade body, I arranged for her treasured belongings to be collected that same afternoon. This was one day later than the original planned date, and then they’d be placed into storage for a few days, before being collected and delivered to her door in Spain some 10 days later. Pretty good going at such short notice, I thought. A collaboration of 3 removal firms, working together for the clients benefit, for very little reward but all for the common good.

When I rang the lady back to explain what I had arranged, I was rather surprised to be told that she had managed to arrange a new, different man with a van who “would collect everything next week and take it Spain when he is down that way later in the summer”. She had already paid him £700 – in cash this time as he was local to her in the UK. So she was now £1,400 down, with no guarantee of when her delivery would occur.

I was, to put it mildly, shocked at her actions.

As she had sorted herself out she then thanked me for my interest, but obviously didn’t want to proceed with my solution. This even though we would have collected that same day and therefore while she was still in the house, and before she left the Country. It seems you just can’t help people no matter what you do!

I sincerely hope that she gets her furniture. I suspect that she too will be hoping, and praying, during the next few months because after a bit of investigation I discovered that the man with a van to whom she had so gratefully given her cash to was actually a gardener, with a big van, who was obviously going to take the van on holiday!

A proper job

The second instance concerned an elderly lady in Scotland. She was unable to travel and accepted an offer for the sale of her property here in Spain. She needed someone to pack all her belongings and move them to Scotland. Fortunately for her someone knew of a man with an empty van on his way back from Spain. He could do it, no problem, for £900.00 – cash. He gave this price without seeing what was to be done and could only offer himself and his van.

I arranged with the local estate agent, who was handling her sale, for me to look at the property and survey what needed to be moved, which is normal practice for us for every removal apart from the most basic small moves. After a 2-hour drive and a good look around I could see that indeed It was a full load for a large Luton type van. This would be no problem for ‘White Vanman’ if it only had to be chucked in the empty space he had (but he’d also certainly be overweight with everything that I had listed, but we won’t open that can of worms today)

However, it all needed to be wrapped and packed as well, as the lady had not been in Spain for over a year and couldn’t leave Scotland. All in all there were 72 large boxes that needed packing. Plus, the pictures and artwork needed special handling and export wrapping, the office furniture had to be dismantled, and there were also several very expensive pieces of crystal glassware. I noted every item, took photographs of the delicate items I had earmarked for specialised packing and headed back to my desk to prepare a quote.

Once the quote was prepared and sent by email, I phoned the client. She took a while to answer and jokingly I suggested that was because she had to pick herself up from the floor. This was funny but understandable, because our quote was considerably higher than the ‘man and van’ price. However, she was pleased and grateful that I had identified the solutions to moving her precious lifelong possessions. Unlike the man with a van who had no clue as to how to properly look after, pack or wrap anything.

Needless to say, she recognised the difference between ‘cash van man’ and our proper removal service, and agreed for us to undertake the removal.

I am happy to say that, within 2 weeks of her acceptance, I made the 2 hour drive again. However this time it was in a fully equipped removal van, with another trained removal man as company, as this job clearly required a two man service. We carried various sized boxes, specially designed picture packs, wrapping paper, export grade bubble blanket, quilted furniture covers and high-quality removal blankets, and a specially designed wooden crate.

So, one lady in Scotland spent just over two weeks looking forward to the safe delivery of her items, knowing exactly when they would be delivered and feeling reassured that they would arrive in perfect condition.

Another lady who wa now in Spain spent months ‘hoping’ to take delivery of her items at some point, not knowing how they will be delivered, or if they will be delivered at all.

Moral of the story?

Just because someone gives you a price quickly, or is cheaper, doesn’t mean they can do what they claim.

Please please check the credentials of anyone who you are looking to do any work for you.

As Indalo Transport is based in Spain as well as the UK, we often get asked various things by our clients regarding the processes involved here. As we have been in Spain for a combined 70 years and have done a lot of things for ourselves, we are more than willing to pass on our own experiences.

As always, we must point out that we are not legal experts so it is always best to seek professional legal advice, as everybody has different circumstances and requirements.

So, what is an N I E ?

Before you are able to buy a property in Spain, or legally obtain a rental agreement, purchase a car or enter into any sort of contract you will need to get an NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). This number is the identification number in Spain for everyone who is not a Spanish citizen. Life is pretty much impossible without one. You will need it get connected to utilities, obtain a mobile sim card, and most importantly for the Spanish state – for instance to pay tax and register on the health system.

Much is spoken about Spanish bureaucracy and how it can be a pain, but once you have your NIE number it stays with you for life so it’s well worth jumping through a few hoops to get one. The final product is a certificate that carries your number and can be produced to make life a whole lot easier.

There are two main ways to get issued with an NIE Number and certificate. You can either do it from the UK before you come to Spain, or you can do it once you arrive. I’ll explain how both process work.

If you are in the UK you can attend the Spanish Consulate in London, or Edinburgh. As you cannot make an appointment for this you are advised to get there early and be aware that they will shut at 1.00pm!

I can only describe the experience as being like visiting a very large post office where you take a number and wait your turn. You will need the following documents:

Your original passport and 2 additional copies of your entire passport – not just the photo section.

Two copies of the application form EX-15. These can be downloaded from the consulate website along with instructions – website link to the Spanish government in English here http://bit.ly/347pQYv By the way, DO NOT sign the form, as it must be signed in the presence of the official handling your application at the consulate. This form must be completed before you attend the consulate, it is not a form available on the day.

A document that can be used as proof of your requirement for an NIE number. This might be a property sales document, or a tenancy agreement in Spain.

Original proof of 3 years address history. A utility bill, bank statement, or similar, showing both your name and address at that time. One for each year.

This is paid on the day at the cashier’s office. There doesn’t seem to be a fixed cost for this, but the cost is usually less that a tenner!

And finally, and very importantly.. take additional copies of everything just in case!

If this seems complicated, I can assure you it really isn’t that bad. Just be prepared with everything and be early. In the case of my wife and I it was a process that saw us in and out within an hour. We then spent the rest of the time we had allocated sightseeing in London.

Your NIE certificate will be sent by email from Madrid usually with 10-14 days.

One final note. Your certificate will state that it is valid for 3 months. This applies to its use, you will need to use your number within 3 months, after that the number is attached to you for life and there is no need for a further certificate.

Obtaining an NIE number in Spain.

If you intend to live in Spain, this is the only way to get an NIE – you must visit and apply once you are physically in Spain.

The easiest, way of getting an NIE number in Spain is to authorise a third party to obtain one on your behalf. Many companies specialise in this and a simple online search will give you many options. Better still obtain a personal recommendation or ask the Gestor handling the purchase or rental of your property.

Although not excessively expensive you should be aware that you will be paying for a service and that service and time will reflect in cost. But this is by far the easiest way of doing things.

You will need to grant your representative poder (power of attorney). This will need to be signed before a notary and must grant them expressive permission to obtain the NIE on your behalf.

You will need to provide your representative with your original passport, and you will need to get a copy notarised. This is usually just a quick visit to the notary’s office and is quite painless. Other than that you can simply provide a notarised copy of your passport, but if this has been notarised outside of Spain you will also need Hague Apostille.

If you don’t want a third party to act on your behalf, you can always go through the process yourself. The process is the similar that described earlier when visiting the Spanish Consulate in the UK. The documentation required is the same but you will need to make an appointment at your provincial Immigration Offices (oficinas de extranjeros) to present your application. You may also need to make payment at a bank near to the office before returning to complete the process.

A story of how one couple fared on their International move in 2019

Life can be very stressful at times. A recent study showed
that moving home is the 5th most stressful thing in life.

What are the top six most stressful things in life?

The death of a
loved one.

Divorce.

Loss of a job.

Getting married.

Moving to a new
home.

Chronic illness or
injury.

When you consider that moving to a new home ranks so highly in the league of life’s stresses you should also consider the additional hassle of moving that home to an entirely new country.

Most reputable removers will do all they can to alleviate the pain and anxiety associated with a move. That’s certainly the case at Indalo Transport, where we try very hard to make the move as easy as possible for you.

Initial research is easy these days

I know from personal experience the stress involved, as I moved to Spain 6 years ago. I was grateful that informative websites were available to help when I was planning the move – whatever did people do before the internet?

I was a bit surprised to discover that moving home was ranked so highly in the list, but maybe that’s because it’s something we are involved with on a daily basis, as removers. However it did get me thinking about the affect this stress, and indeed our actions, have on our customers.

So I thought it would be a good idea to drop in on one of our recent trans-European clients, to find out how they were getting on. I also wanted to find out if there was anything we could have done differently to make things easier or better, with their move from Sandhurst in the UK, to Valle de Este in Almeria, Spain.

James and Lynda had made the decision to move to this lovely part of Spain last year.

The Visit

After arranging a convenient day, I visited them on a beautiful sunny February morning. As I sat with them on a shady terrace, overlooking the pool – in a comfortable 23C – it was clear to see that they were happy they’d made the move. But were they happy with how the move went? What, if anything, had we done to make things less stressful?

So, this is their story…

Having accepted an offer on their lovely property in Sandhurst James and Lynda issued their solicitors with instructions, so they had the financial and legal side of things well under control.

Next, they had to sort out the task of physically moving their belongings to another country. The move was becoming a reality, so I asked James where did they start and how did they find the right removal company?

James – “Quite simply I did what anybody would do, I googled it and Indalo Transport appeared amongst others on the page. Knowing that the “Indalo” was a symbol of the area we were moving to I kept it in mind. But actually, my first call was to a well-known large British removal company, who arranged to send somebody to our home.”

One of the most important things when planning a move is to get a proper survey done. It’s almost impossible to give a potential customer a firm price without actually seeing the items to be moved, first hand. It may take a day or two to get that price in writing, but it does ensure that everything is accounted for and the removal company sends the correct size removal vehicle.

A survey will also give the customer a chance get a bit of background on the firm, and to find out what other services a removal company can offer to help, things like packing and storage.

James – “The price they eventually quoted was pretty good, but they couldn’t offer us the full package we needed because we wanted storage in Spain for lots of our belongings, to be delivered at a later date.”

A one stop shop

“I also felt I wanted a more personal service. I wanted a one stop shop, someone to do everything and one point of contact who knew us and what we wanted. That was very, very, important to us. I wanted to be able to pick up a phone, or send an email, to one person who could tell me exactly what I needed to do, what was going to happen, and when it was going to happen.”

Indalo Transport on Facebook

“It was actually Lynda who then reminded me about Indalo Transport because she had seen comments on Facebook, so I went back to google.”

The internet should be the first point of call for anybody looking to make the move to Spain. There are many websites that can give you valuable information and help you avoid the many pitfalls.

All reputable removal companies will have a website that shows accreditations – things like membership of a trade association and maybe even trading standards approval (Indalo Transport is one of very few trans-European removal companies to be fully approved by UK Trading Standards).

Careful who you trust on social media

However, social media advertising can be quite misleading, as you really can’t be sure of what you’re getting, often with disastrous consequences – read this horror story. At Indalo Transport we do use facebook in our marketing but mainly to show people to our website, where there are guides, hints and tips on all aspects of trans-European moving and how to become an Expat.

Loads of help when planning a move

James – “I was impressed, very impressed, with the website and so I made the initial enquiry. I was even more impressed that the person coming to our home to survey our belongings was the proprietor of the company, Mick Cox. That was the personal service I was looking for and after browsing through the Indalo Transport website again I felt as if I knew Mick before he had even arrived! I really can’t stress how important that was to us, we wanted a relationship with the guys moving our stuff.”

“Mick was a pleasure to deal with, very knowledgeable and very professional, he even insisted on packing our more delicate items himself, which was a huge relief to both of us because I knew that Lynda wouldn’t trust me to do it. The price was pretty much the same, within a few pounds, so Indalo Transport were given the job. If I’m honest the price really wouldn’t have mattered that much because we felt we were in safe hands, and you can’t put a price on that peace of mind. But the price was competitive, and we felt that was a good reflection on Mick and his business.”

Legal & planning headaches

Obviously buying and selling homes can be a difficult process, with buyers and sellers, estate agents, surveyors, bankers and solicitors, all involved in a complex chain of transactions. And in this case James and Lynda had further complications with planning issues, as their buyers were selling a listed building. In fact because of this James and Lynda had to delay the move a few times through various issues.

James – “I was glad that we had found the personal service because we really needed it. Mick was so patient with us, we had to rearrange the move three times due to problems with the sale in the UK. Nothing was a problem for Mick, each time he was happy to accommodate us and so quick to answer any questions. He was so patient, I wouldn’t have blamed him at all if he had told us get lost! But nothing was too much trouble for him.”

And it’s go, go, go, go…

Six months after initial contact, and with all the legals finally in place, James & Lynda were finally ready to move. We organised delivery of the necessary packing materials to start the job and they began transferring their life into wrapping paper and cardboard boxes.

James – “Mick arrived the day before he was due to load, and thankfully took charge of the packing process with his knowledge and expertise. We had already packed the easy bits like bedding and clothes but were pleased we took advantage of the packing service. All our goods were inventoried and all the delicate items we both worried about were safely wrapped and packed.”

The next day everything was packed and loaded into the removal vehicles while James and Lynda attended to the last details with their solicitors. James and Lynda then waved goodbye to their belongings, and Mick set off for the sunny delights of Southern Spain.

A week later, just before Christmas, I helped unload the road-train, that had carried the contents of James’s previous life, into our storage depot. 23 large boxes had been marked for immediate delivery to James and Lynda at their beautiful home on Valle del Este. I rang James to confirm the time for delivery next day, as booked, and James was very pleased to hear from me.

Uh oh, we forgot the hairbrush!

James – “It was great that everything was coming together exactly as planned. It was even better to know that Lynda’s favourite hair brush was arriving because I’d been dragged to every shop and chemist in the area looking for a replacement!”

After contacting us about ‘the wayward hairbrush’ earlier, luckily for James it was found in a bedside table drawer as we were unloading into our store, so it was retrieved and placed into a clearly marked box. For James’ sake I made sure that it was the first box off the van…

With everything they needed for now, and their remaining belongings safely in storage, that should have been job complete.

The Golf Connection

James – “Oh no it wasn’t. My golf clubs were packed in your store, I hadn’t listed them for delivery. What’s the point of living near a golf course if I can’t play golf? Sheepishly I sent an email asking if was possible to collect my clubs at some point in the next few weeks.”

“Mick delivered them the following day in the morning. That’s what I mean when I talk about the personal touch.”

As I mentioned earlier James and Lynda are settled and clearly enjoying life in Spain. James is also now enjoying his golf and Lynda’s hair is looking fantastic.

So, the verdict?

I’ve really enjoyed my time sat in their company enjoying fabulous coffee amidst fantastic scenery. Before I leave, I ask James and Lynda the vital question. Could we have done anything differently, is there room for improvement?

James – “Nothing. No question. The service was great, the chemistry between you and your customers is outstanding and it worked very well for us. You guys were on time, every time, and did everything you said you would. You delivered so much more than our furniture.”

I didn’t need to ask anything else.

Thanks for coffee Lynda. I look forward to delivering your goods from store whenever you are ready.

written by Paul Burt

If you need a quote for a forthcoming move across Europe, fill in our form here.

I was sat enjoying a small beer and some delicious tapas in a beautiful part of Almeria over the Christmas period. The company was great, with a mixture of ex-pats who had made the move to Spain and their guests made up of family and friends from the UK. As we sat overlooking the beach, practically at the water’s edge, the conversation inevitably turned to the comparisons between the UK and Spain and the question posed was what do we miss about the UK? I couldn’t answer it so I turned it around and asked what would they miss about the UK. The answers were pretty predictable, but interesting nonetheless, .

Family and friends

I think that would always the be the first thing to miss. But the group we were sat with were proof of my answer. Family always comes first – and always visit! Time spent here with family and friends offers far more in the way of quality time than you would ever get over a Sunday dinner, and with endless ways of communication through facetime, whatsapp, skype and the like it’s very easy to keep in touch family and still share important moments.

The NHS

A great British institution – I’ll never knock it or those that work in it. But Spain also has a great health system and is considered to be a world leader in many forms of medicine. Getting access to the medical system in Spain is pretty straight forward and even if you can’t there is a comprehensive private system.. and medication is a fraction of the cost in comparison to the UK.

The Language

Life can be challenging at times without being fluent in the native tongue, but it can also be fun and you are never too old to learn. The local authorities offer free spanish classes and when I get really stuck there is always google translate, or my helpful spanish neighbours.

Food

When you cross the border into Spain you don’t suddenly forget how to cook! All the usual ingredients can be found in the local supermarkets, they are just labelled differently. Spanish food is fantastic and the fruits and salads are way fresher and tastier than anything you get in the UK. It all comes from Spain anyway! And let’s not forget that the mediterranean diet is considered to be the healthiest in the world.

The BBC

Seriously! You can still get your Eastenders and other British shows on various internet and satellite systems. I always manage to catch-up on Match of The Day by Monday morning and my wife still enjoys Eastenders and Strictly.

History/Heritage

I’m proud to be British and I’m equally proud to be a Bristolian, although with my accent the language barrier can be a problem even in the UK. Heritage is an important part of education and in my opinion should be taught more in school. In Spain it is, the history and heritage is all around you and proudly displayed and celebrated by numerous fiestas. If you want history and heritage then Spain is the place to explore.

Takeaway restaurants

The Spanish enjoy burgers and a decent curry as well you know, and they can do anything with chicken,pork, and seafood. But why take it away when you can simply eat outside? More to the point what about the mediterranean diet. If takeaway is your particular thing then you can still find it here, indeed most bars and restaurants will pack a meal up for you if you really want to sit at home.. In front of the BBC.

Weather

What’s to miss! The weather is simply fantastic in Spain and the changing of the seasons is just as impressive as the UK, it’s just not as cold and wet. You really have to remember that these questions were being asked on New Years day… on a beach, in the sunshine.

Newspapers

When I was younger I used to enjoy taking the paper to the pub on a Sunday and poring over the football reports with a pint. But that stopped when the BBC launched the BBC News/Sports App! Newspapers are available in Spain, just harder to find.

Political stability

Hmmm…

The Royal Family

Well I’ll be astonished if the Queen ever sends me a birthday card! Being British, and proud of it, I suppose I must be a royalist in someway, but I can’t say that I actually miss the Royal Family. I suppose they are like a turkey. Not really relevant apart from on Christmas Day.

Here’s the interesting thing…

When I asked what would put these people off the thought of moving to Spain they couldn’t really give me an answer apart from the actual cost and hassle of actually doing it. The hassles of moving are numerous, and if you don’t want the hassle you shouldn’t even be thinking about it. But the cost of moving? When asked how much they thought it would cost to move to Spain, most of them over-estimated the true cost of moving their possessions to Spain saying they thought it would around £10,000!!

When we moved to Spain 4 years ago we bought a van and drove down ourselves here with all our belongings in the back. The cost of the van (and it’s depreciation here), insurance, fuel and overnight stops (x3) probably worked out to a little less than what our tapas guests had guessed at. However, since working at Indalo Transport I’ve learned the easy way to do things. At Indalo Transport the average cost of moving an entire 2 bedroom house would be under £3,000 – and they take care of all the hassle for you

Considering how many times you may move in your life, it’s no real surprise that you’re not an expert at choosing a removal company. When you’re planning to undertake a major move abroad, to uproot your life and start all over again somewhere that you don’t know very well, it’s even more important that you make the right choice, by using services you can rely on and completely trust. Not choosing the correct removal company could cost you thousands of pounds and loads of heartache.

To help you in this I have a simple two step process I’d like to share with you, to help ensure that you don’t have any problems. As you’re reading this you’re already ahead of the game, as you obviously want to make certain you do things right from the very beginning. Read on for a full explanation of what you should pay attention to, and you can relax in the knowledge that everything should go smoothly.

Step 1 – Membership

Professional removers who want to ensure they give the best service will join trade groups or organisations. This is to show you that they are answerable, trustworthy and have been vetted to reach minimum standards of service and support.

Probably the best organisation that your removal company could be linked to is the Trading Standards ‘buy with Confidence’ scheme in the UK. This is a government run scheme that helps you, as a consumer, find reputable and responsible companies that are the best of the best in their own field of expertise. The criteria for joining the scheme is very strict, with vetting, checks and then an audit visit by a qualified trading standards officer. Only if the company passes all these checks are they allowed to join the scheme and then use the Trading Standards ‘tick’ on their advertising.

Step 2 – Insurance

A little mentioned component of a professional Removal Companies’ service is their comprehensive insurance cover, which protects both you and them if things happen to go wrong. This insurance, taken out with specialist brokers dealing in the Removal Industry, is called Goods In Transit (GIT) insurance. It is specifically to cover your belongings whilst they are in the possession of the removal company, and it offers the same sort of cover as you would find in your home contents insurance policy. All professional removal companies will have GIT insurance, and will have no problem providing proof of this insurance for you to check.

There is also another insurance that is also important to consider when you are choosing a remover – public liability insurance. It covers a business against injury or property damage to the public in the course of their business activities.

However, not all removal companies are created equal – some have GIT and public liability insurance, and some do not. Goods in Transit Insurance can be quite expensive, especially if European moves are to be covered, so you will find that it is one of the first things to be ignored by removal companies that don’t have their customers’ best interests at heart.

You may often find that the company (or maybe ‘man with a van’) without Goods In Transit insurance is able to quote you a cheaper rate for the removal. Which is great……. until something goes wrong. You may be lucky and find that everything goes without a hitch. However, if something does go wrong, you will then find there is no insurance company to claim from, and no one to deal with your problem.

What price peace of mind? – that is the real question here. Your removals company is going to be in charge of all of your belongings and precious memories, gathered over your lifetime, so you need it all to be in the hands of people you can completely trust.

Relax, we love your possessions too!

A professional, fully insured removals service won’t be expensive, and I’m happy to say Indalo Transport has all of the following:-

Considering the number of times that you move in your life, it’s no real surprise that you may not be an expert at packing. With the stress of a house move, you’d be forgiven for not knowing all the ins and outs of how to, say, safely pack a crystal vase in a box so it doesn’t get damaged during your move.

Removals is an area that has tips and tricks just like any other field, so read on to find out how you can avoid the most common problems and mistakes when you next come to pack away your life and move to pastures new.

Although there a lot more tips and tricks in our trade, we have only included 7 of the most common things we see regularly – if you just do these, everything should arrive at your new home in tip top condition.

1. The wrong type of box

Did you know there is a right and wrong box that you can use for your removal?

No, didn’t think you did. Most people go for the cheapest box, which is less money for a reason. It is because it is made of single wall cardboard, and therefore has no strength. While this might be fine when you want to put your items into a self-store, it is not good if your removal has to travel halfway across Europe.

Just to give you a heads up, we always stack boxes one on top of the other – up to 6 or more high – so it is always best to use boxes made of double wall cardboard, that have enough strength to keep their shape while they are being moved and stacked. With these proper removal strength boxes, you can be sure that the box itself, and it’s important contents, will be as good when you receive them in your new house, as when you packed them back in your old home.

The only cardboard to use for your removal

The type of box you’re looking for is triple wall with two layers of corrugations, sandwiched between 3 layers of straight card. There is a picture of the cardboard below, to help you identify it when you go to buy your boxes, whether online or at a local removers or self-store.

By the way, if you are buying boxes in Spain, and are anywhere near Mojacar in Almeria, we sell a full range of the highest quality packaging materials, including triple wall boxes, from our storage facility. Just go here to see our price list.

2. Seal the bottom of your boxes with lots of tape.

An airtight seal gives the best strength

I’ve seen this many many times, where the box has not been sealed at the bottom sufficiently strongly. In the worst case, when you lift the box, the bottom of the box opens and the contents drop onto the floor – obviously not a good result if you have valuables or china inside.

The way to get around this problem is to completely seal along all of the open edges of the bottom of the box to make it airtight, putting 2 lines where the 2 leaves join in the middle, and then for good measure put a line of tape across at right angles as well.

3. The right way to pack glass and china

It is amazing how many people don’t know how to correctly pack fragile glass and china. Not surpirsing though, considering that it is not really obvious until you really think about it.

To help you remember, you need to look for and try and work out where the strength is with glasses and plates.

With glasses it is always vertically, the way it sits on a table. So therefore that is the way it should be packed. Either upside down or right way up doesn’t really matter, however we always pack glasses upside down, so the second layer of china or glass, in the box, has a firmer base to sit on.

With plates and dishes the most strength is when they sitting on their sides – and not when they’re sitting flat as they would be on a table – so, therefore, you should always pack plates upright.

Always remember to use lots of scrunched up wrapping paper to provide a cushion on the bottom of the box, and also add more between each set of items, and between the sides of the box and the contents. And, of course, use some to provide a cushion on the top too before you seal the box. No piece of glass or china should ever be directly touching the cardboard of the box, there should always be some sort of cushion.

While we are talking about packing china and fragile items that might get broken, it’s worth mentioning that if you do your own packing you’re not insured for the contents of the boxes you pack. Whilst this is probably written in their terms and conditions, most removal companies don’t tell you this when you ask them for a quote.

When you think about it, being insured only if your boxes are professionally packed is common sense and perfectly understandable, so use all of these tips to make sure you do things right first time to pack things correctly, and you shouldn’t have any problems.

4. Overloading

Putting too much heavy stuff in a box is an easy thing to do, and when this happens the box can bulge and lose it’s shape and therefore lose all strength. The way to make sure that this doesn’t happen is to just put heavy things in the bottom half of the box, and then fill up the top half with lighter items.

A good test is to see if you can lift the box yourself easily – if you can the weight is about right. If you try and lift it and you can’t even move it off the floor then you might have a little bit of a problem. Whilst your remover will still collect the box, they may have to use 2 men to lift it, and too many very heavy boxes may lead to an extra charge for your removal.

Another thing to think about is that if you have lots of heavy boxes stacked up, the bottom one may crumple with all the weight above it, damaging the contents of the box.

5. Underfilling

A good example of over filling a box making it bulge and lose shape, and then underfilling the top so it crushes when anything is put on top

Just like overloading, underfilling a box can be just as bad. This is because a box that is not completely full will crush when it has other boxes put on top of it. If you don’t have enough things to fill a box up, use a smaller box, or cut the box down to make it smaller. All boxes should be filled to the very top, so that when you push on the top on the middle it doesn’t go down too far, and can support a good amount of pressure. The next tip will help with this as well.

6. Not sealing the top of the box – make it airtight!

When you finally come to seal your box up, do you just put a single line of tape across the top, to just seal the two sides where they meet? This is not good enough to provide the best strength to the box.

The best way to seal it is to put a line of tape along every open edge – this will make the box airtight (if you’ve done the same thing on the bottom, as in point 2 above) which increases strength and gives the contents maximum protection.

7. Not labelling as you go.

These panels are on all our boxes, to help us make your move easier. Make sure you label it!

The final mistake happens when people are too busy filling boxes, that they forget to mark it once sealed down. Without labelling each box, you won’t know where that box should go in the new property. This is very simple fix – just making sure you have a black marker pen and either write what is in the box, or alternatively what room the box should be put in, on the top.

We recommend writing what room the box belongs in, as this will help your removers make life as easy as they can for you.

So there you have it, 7 common mistakes you may make when packing for a removal, some probably even without even realising it. Hope you like the tips and find them useful.

As a bonus, the only other packing advice we can offer is something that is seen all the time and it’s the most difficult thing for you to fix. I think virtually everyone who moves is guilty of this – it is taking things you’re never going to use.

As you’re paying good money to get things moved there’s not much point in moving things that will stay in a box for another two years without ever being touched again – so I would say make sure you take a serious look at every single thing you want to take before you decide to pack it and take it with you.

And if all this seems like too much hassle, Indalo Transport would be very happy to professionally pack all of your belongings as part of our removal service, to make your move as easy as it can be. We’ll even unpack in your new home, and take away all of the boxes and packaging materials. Just click here to contact us or get a quote here.

The Complete Expats Guide to Finance in Spain – save money and learn the tricks that the bankers don’t want you know!

Sterling. The Great British Pound. Whatever you want to call it, it’s quite a magical thing, really. It’s often quite hard to come by, it seems to get frittered away all too easily, and most people wish that they could always have more of it.

Earning it brings you a sense of pride and spending it can either leave you feeling almightily aggrieved or extremely elated.

However, whenever you exchange Sterling for ‘holiday money’ like the Euro, for example, which in itself is exciting because it means you’re jetting off to sun and adventure (sea and sand optional), you get transformed, as if by magic, into a carefree spender. All the stuffy spend-thrift rules of the Pound are thrown well and truly out the window as you reap the benefits of all that the brightly coloured and quirky Euro bank notes can provide.

But as soon as you get back to Britain, it’s back to the dull, drab money you’re used to and the cycle of earning, saving, and spending (whether you like it or not) starts all over again…

But what if you were thinking of becoming an expat?

What if you wanted to settle down in Spain?

How do you move money across to pay for that fabulous new property?

For day to day expenses, do you use an International account, Spanish account or an online account?

How do you open a Spanish bank account?

How do you go about transitioning yourself from using the Sterling you grew up with to the Euro you’ve only ever spent whilst on holiday?

Should you keep your British bank account open?

Can you get by quite easily with just using your UK-based debit card?

And is it really necessary to constantly work out how much the shopping would have come to in Pounds?

These and other questions are very important to ask, as all too often expats don’t consider the best way to move their money abroad, so as to save the maximum amount during a major purchase, or research how they’re going to exchange it on a day to day basis once they’ve moved to Spain.

Because maintaining your finances is so crucial, this in-depth post covers all about finances in Spain, including info on international bank accounts, how to open a Spanish bank account, and how to save money using professional money exchange services, and the revolutionary new money exchange apps now available on smartphones.

Your new friends, not a bit like Sterling

So read on to learn what you need to do to adjust to earning, saving and spending Euros every day, and how to beat the bankers at their own game!

Important : Whilst we have lived in Spain many years and may use some of the services outlined in this article, we are not, and never have been, financial advisors. You must always get independant financial advice from trained experts, and discuss your personal situation with a professional, before entering into any contract involving your money.

Keep Your UK Bank Account Open

First things first, it’s always worth keeping your existing bank account open back in the UK. Obviously, this makes sense if you intend to keep assets back home (like property) or if you’ll be receiving regular payments into that account (from a pension, or from a tenant), but it also makes sense even if you won’t be keeping any links with the old country.

Keeping your UK bank account open means that if and when you ever return to Britain, you have an account already in place, and for trips back to see family you can access Sterling without needing to exchange any currency.

It’s also worth mentioning that any expat who has closed their bank account in Britain and who has lived outside the UK for more than a year will find it very difficult to open an account if they come back.

It’s always a good idea to keep a bank account open for as long as you can anyway because it makes a positive impact on your credit rating and it helps build trust with the bank itself.

Before you leave for your new home, make sure you inform them of your new address abroad, for any important correspondence. Then set up internet banking, stop the paper statements, and use your internet to access the account easily in Spain.

If you’re still going to be receiving income into your UK bank account, then it is possible for you to continue using your British debit or credit card whilst in Spain.

This can be quite handy because all you have to do is head to the nearest Cash Machine to get access to Euros. But remember, every time you use your UK-based debit or credit card you will be charged a fee. To see how much your bank will charge you, check out WeSwap’s list of card charges.

A Good Idea Before You Leave Is To Open An International Bank Account

As an expat settling in Spain, you will quickly realise how difficult it is to manage your money from a single currency bank account which is based about 2,000km away from you, back in Britain. So the best thing to do, before you leave, is to open an international bank account, either with your current bank, or a new one if it has great introductory offers for you to benefit from.

An international bank account will enable you to access your money, in whichever currency you need it in, whenever you need it. These Euro accounts are provided by offshore divisions of UK high street banks and typically come with the usual perks associated with a normal, British-based current account, such as a debit card and an overdraft facility. They’re also great because they allow you to withdraw Euros at local cash machines so that you avoid the high currency conversion charges when using Sterling cards.

A Euro Account is always a good idea

With these accounts though, it’s important to remember that you will likely have to pay a monthly or yearly fee to keep the account and its benefits open, however this is something you will have to get used to as the Spanish also charge a yearly or quarterly fee for the privilege of being able to bank with them anyway.

It’s worth noting that some international bank accounts are free if you keep a minimum amount of Sterling or Euros in the account.

If you apply for an international bank account and are accepted, then you’re going to have the peace of mind which comes from being a customer of an established British bank (usually with access to 24/7 online and telephone banking with English-speaking customer service), and your Euros are exchanged safely, all in one place (albeit at Bank rates, which aren’t too clever)

The two main banks for Euro International Current Accounts, and which allow you to apply online, are Lloyds Bank and Barclays.

A European Online Bank Account in Euros – Why Not Try Number 26

Their slogan is “Run your entire financial life from your phone” – now that’s a bold statement! Click on the picture to go to the website (opens a new tab)

Number 26 is a German-based online bank, available in Spain, and a variety of other European countries including France and Italy. Both a website and handy app, this really is banking as it should be.

You can only apply for this bank account once you’ve got a permanent address in Spain, but as soon as you have that, you can apply from your smart phone or tablet and the process is incredibly quick and easy. Honestly, it takes less than 10 minutes to do and if you apply before midnight you’ll be able to find out whether you’ve been approved or not!

After you’ve applied online, be prepared for a video call with an agent who will confirm your identity. You’ll need your passport to hand, proof of address and a smartphone with a decent camera.

The identification process is like something out of a Sci-Fi movie. You have a video call with a representative who instructs you to hold up your documents and then they take control of your phone, use it to capture a photo (as proof), which then gets uploaded to the computer they’re using.

After doing this and answering a few questions, your Number 26 MasterCard will be on its way. Unlike other international bank accounts, Number 26 offers fee-free banking and because you’ve got a European bank account, complete with IBAN, you can withdraw Euros from any Cash Machine, free of charge. Perfect!

How To Open a Spanish Bank Account

Once you’ve decided to become an expat in Spain, it’s a good idea to open a local bank account. As well as paying for regular services like water and electricity (through direct debits or ‘domiciados’), you’ll find that some companies will only deal with you if you can prove you have a bank account actually in Spain. The Banks in Spain are no different to any other country, and must abide by Spanish and European financial regulations.

It takes a couple of weeks to get your bank account sorted and for you to receive your bank card(s). The main difference between the Spanish banks and British ones is that they’re only open in the morning, usually 8.30am – 2pm.

The Spanish love their siestas

Step One – Book an Appointment and Check Whether You’ll Need To Bring a “Certificado De No residente”

Once you have chosen which bank you’re going to visit, it’s important to remember that you’re going to need a good understanding of Spanish to be able to talk to the advisor, unless you’re lucky and find that the bank has staff members who speak English.

If you don’t know much Spanish, see if there is someone who does who can go with you. If you don’t, you may miss out on some really good deals.

Unless you are already a Spanish resident, you will have to open a Spanish bank account as a non-resident. Make sure the first question you ask when making an appointment at your chosen bank is ¿Tengo que presentar un certificado de no residente?” which means, “Do I have to present a non-resident letter?” If they say no, that will save you loads of hassle.

(This certifciate is basically a letter from the local Police Station which states that they have seen your passport, that it’s valid and that you’re not currently a resident. However, because the Spanish system is a little flawed, the responsibilities of the local police vary, seemingly at random, don’t be surprised if you’re told to go to another station to get your letter. Oh and it’ll take 10 to 12 days to receive, too. So best avoided altogether if you can.)

Step Two – Attend Your Appointment and Bring ID With You

When it’s time to go to the bank, make sure that you take the following items with you, as sometimes Spanish banks require different documents:

Photographic proof of identity (passport or National Identity Card from the country of origin for each of the applicants)

Proof of occupation or status (employment contract/payslip, letter from accountant/lawyer, pension or disability payment confirmation, student card). This is an extra requirement introduced in 2007 by the Bank of Spain as a measure to combat money-laundering

Residents also need to produce their Foreigner Identification Number ‘Residencia’ certificate (Número de Identificación de Extranjeros or NIE)

Confirmation of address (utility bill, driving licence or council tax bill; proof of address must have been issued within the last 3 months)

Step Three – Choose Your Account

There are two basic types of account:

Checking account aka Current account

Passbook aka Savings account

It’s important to remember that Spanish banks love their fees. To open an account you must make a small deposit and you should be aware that there may be commissions for deposits, withdrawals and a maintenance fee.

Some banks will also require you to maintain a minimum balance, usually of at least 500 Euros, at all times.

Most Spanish banks charge an annual or quarterly fee for administration of a current account (cuenta corriente) and is typically 15–30 Euros. There are often additional charges for credit (tarjeta de crédito) and debit cards (tarjeta de débito); additional account holders; savings accounts (cuenta de ahorros) and other items like cheque/check books.

Money Exchange Specialists

Professionals who exchange money day in day out

If you’re looking to make a large, one-off payment, as most will do to buy an apartment or villa, or to make regular payments from the UK, it may be worth considering using a trusted Money Exchange specialist. These professionals deal in this sort of thing day in day out, and they can make your money go further by giving you fantastic exchange rates which are better than the banks.

Through our links with Move Assured, the professional trade association, Indalo Transport have partnered with Moneycorp, to help you save money when moving your funds abroad. As well as being the UK’s largest specialist foreign currency provider, they’ve been around for over 35 years and now exchange £22bn for 2.4m customers per year.

Moneycorp can help you to send money to Spain at much better rates than normal banks. If moving to or from Spain, Moneycorp will help make sure it’s as pain-free as possible. If you want to find out more, click here

New Wave Apps

Good slogan – love it!

If you’re already an expat and looking for ways to really save money on your exchanges, the new apps from Transferwise or Revolut are ground breaking, in that they are fast & incredibly easy to use. Their bank-beating rates and low fees mean that when you need to exchange your Sterling for Euros, you’ll be saving money every time you make a transfer, as it’s all done online rather than through a bank. There is an in depth review of Transferwise here that you may find very useful

Revolut goes even further, as you can order a mastercard from within the app, and all the security and verification checks are also carried out using the camera on your smartphone – all you have to do is follow the instructions. Truly amazing!

Understandably, some people may find using an online exchange service a tad risky, so we’ve put together a mini-guide on how to tell whether the online money exchange you’re about to use is legitimate or not:-

1.Check the domain name – Every online store should have an SSL, a Secure Sockets Layer. This means that any information sent between you and the store becomes encrypted so hackers can’t intercept any of the data. Just look for the little padlock, and you’ll know the site is safe, secure and does what it says.

Make sure the little green padlock is there

2. Look for spelling and grammar mistakes – Many sleek and professional looking websites can be notched up in one day, hence, why so many bogus websites have sprung up, seemingly overnight. A lot of online scamming comes from China, and if English isn’t your first language, well, the content you write never reads well to those whose native language it is. At the same time, if a site has been rushed, spelling and grammar mistakes can occur because the authors aren’t really bothered about their content, they’re hoping you just skim, read and pay.

3. Check the site for a privacy statement, blog, and in-depth information about the company and their products. This information is usually found in the website’s footer or “About Page”, “Contact Us” page, or could come under “Terms and Conditions”. Reputable sites will tell you how they protect your personal information and secure your Credit or Debit card data and whether they sell information about their customers on to other companies. This is a disclosure statement and you should consider whether you feel comfortable with a site’s policy before using their services.

4. Check the images and the logos. Are they low quality and hazy? If they are, then, consider it a possibility that the images have just been lifted from somewhere else, made bigger or smaller and therefore that’s why they’re looking a bit squiffy. It is true that to keep http requests to a minimum and to increase site performance, online services shouldn’t be filled with huge, slow loading, HD-quality images, but there are ways around this without having to impair the quality of the photographs.

5. Check to see if the money exchange site has an established date and contact details. All legitimate companies will provide contact details, in particular, a phone number and e-mail address, and will urge you to get in touch if you have any questions or queries. The calls will always be answered, never diverted, and your e-mails will never get bounced back. So you can test this if you wish, first.

6. Check for genuine customer reviews. Great online money exchanges which are trustworthy and deliver great service aren’t afraid to display reviews, or at least, like Money Corp, a FeeFo Customer Service Rating (theirs is 97 per cent, by the way!) Alternatively, type in the company name in a search engine and see if other customers have reviewed them.

Forget Your Own Currency Conversions

Resist the urge to continuously compare prices with ‘back home’!

Many British expats can’t help themselves. When we’re shopping in Spanish supermarkets, we can’t help but stand, staring at a jar of Bolognese sauce or a packet of mince, trying to work out whether it’s cheaper or more expensive to buy here in Spain, than back in the UK.

It’s always nice to feel like you’re saving money, or are getting a good deal, but in the end, Spain is your home now and the Euro is no longer just holiday money. You don’t need to compare prices to get by, you’ve just got to look at the 8L bottle of water and say, that’s 0.79cents, nothing more, nothing less, no other currency. For bigger items, you may find the difference is huge, which is when it may pay you to use our services for UK Shopping from Spain. (opens in new tab)

We hope that you have found our suggestions and guides useful and we wish you all the best with opening the bank account of your choice, and dealing with money exchange on a day to day basis.

If, on your financial expat journey you pick up any tips, advice or guidance about how to handle your Euros and you’d like to share your thoughts with other Brits looking to emigrate, please get in touch and we’d be glad to share them for you.

Important Note – Please Read: While we may love some of the resources mentioned in this blog post, none of the information in this blog post constitutes, nor should be construed as, financial advice. You must always satisfy yourself that the products and services you use are adequate, legal and do what you want them to do. Thanks for your understanding.

Hang on I hear you say – I know how to use a roundabout, I use them all the time in the UK, it’s all the same all over Europe, surely. Well actually, no that’s not strictly true. Read on to find out why.

Roundabouts are a relatively recent addition to the roads in Spain, and you will find that things don’t always happen on Spanish roundabouts in the same way that you’ll be used to from the UK.

The most common comment is about cars using the outside lane to go around to the 3rd or 4th exit of a roundabout, which surprises many visitors to the country when they first see it. Whilst this is not best practice in the UK it is, however, the correct way to do it according to the Traffic Office in Spain.

Click on the picture below to get the definitive advice on how to use a Spanish roundabout, from the Spanish Traffic Office, the DGT. Then you won’t get caught out by the slightly different way the Spanish are taught to use them. The bottom picture links to an explanation of when and how to use the innermost lane, which is where all the confusion normally comes in for UK drivers when in Spain.

How to Use a Roundabout in Spain – Click to open video in a new tab

The use of the innermost lane, treating it the same way as the outer or overtaking lane of a dual carriageway – unlike the way we use it in the UK. Click the picture below to go to the video explaining how the DGT is thinking, showing you when you would use the ‘overtaking’ lane on a roundabout.

Looking down onto the bustling, vibrant city of Barcelona from Parc Guell

Ah, Barcelona!* This effervescent and intoxicating city is a world-renowned cultural hot spot, which is probably why the city’s popped up on your radar as a possible place to relocate to as a British expat.

As well as being a very popular destination for University students wanting to go study abroad on the Erasmus Programme, and with it buzzing with modern sophistication and oozing with provincial charm, it’s not for the fainthearted.

Barcelona is a city in a state of constant flux. It pushes and pulls between tradition and modernity. It’s a place where expats have to jostle for space with up to nine million tourists, and where the traditional laidback attitude and slow-paced lifestyle associated with Spain have seemingly been exiled far, far away.

That being said, moving to Barcelona can sometimes feel like falling down a Gaudi-designed rabbit hole where most people only speak Catalan: infinitesimally deep and complex, sometimes even chaotic and confusing.

But don’t let this put you off! For the adventurous expat, or ones who just can’t shake off the love for the hubbub of a bustling city, this in-depth guide will help you to navigate Barcelona, with its colourful and flamboyant modernist-style architecture sandwiched between medieval romance and Gothic treasures.

* How do you pronounce it? Barthelona is how many people think it’s supposed to be pronounced. Contrary to popular belief, the Catalonians don’t actually add the lisp and they think that whoever does is foolish!

Where exactly is Barcelona?

Barcelona, Spain’s second-largest city, is found on the North East Coast of Spain, in the centre of the Catalonia region. Click on the picture above for a google map guide.

How can I get there?

By air, you can fly to Barcelona-El Prat Airport, which is about a 20-minute drive away from the city centre. Most airports within the UK offer affordable, direct flights to Barcelona, and you can get there in less than three hours. Check out Sky Scanner to get more information on prices, airport locations, and great deals.

By car, you can drive onto a ferry in Portsmouth or Plymouth, arrive in Bilbao or Santander, and then drive across to Barcelona, which should take you no more than six hours. Visit Brittany Ferries to book your tickets.

Why Choose Barcelona?

Catalonia is one of the most economically dynamic communities of Spain, and its capital, Barcelona, is a major international cultural centre, as well as being the third most-visited city in Europe.

Here are our top three reasons why we think British expats love moving there.

Reason #1 – No One Ever Gets Bored in Barcelona

Even expats love sightseeing and the traditional touristy haunts of Barcelona

Barcelona is popular as an expat and tourist destination for many reasons, but the thing which we think that everyone loves the most about the city is that it never fails to amaze and entertain anyone, time and time again.

Honestly, you won’t have the chance to get bored here and there is guaranteed to be something for all your family to enjoy! You might even pick up not one, but several new hobbies.

You can shop in stylish boutiques, visit museums, breathe in creativity whilst you sip on coffee in an art café, you can explore the city’s eclectic neighbourhoods and hunt for a bargain at one of its famous flea markets, and overall be a part of an amazing and pulsating social scene.

Other interesting things expats can see and do in Barcelona

Just a stone’s throw from La Rambla, El Jardinet dels Gats is home to dozens of beautiful kittens who are waiting to be adopted. Most passers-by miss what’s going on behind the tall wire fence – cats curled up asleep in the sun, stretching to scratch a tree, and playing in the tunnels and boxes left out for their amusement. It’s like something straight out of a children’s story.

Find an oasis of calm atop Park Guinardó. Take in spectacular views, spot the remnants of an old shanty town, and the gun turrets of the anti-aircraft base.

Enjoy experimental theatre at the Sala Hiroshima. It’s established a reputation for itself as a place to experience some of the most interesting performances in town.

Seek out the Romans – One of the best preserved relics of the Roman Empire (the columns of the Temple of Augustus) can be found at Carrer Paradis 3.

Celebrate a special event (like an anniversary or birthday) with a Photo Shoot Tour of your new home city. Awarded a Certificate of Excellence on Trip Advisor.

Try a variety of classes including Authentic Spanish cookery, mosaics or watercolour painting

Visit the open air museum of El Poble Espanyol which has 117 full-scale replicas of different buildings from all around Spain.

The nightlife in the city certainly packs a punch

The nightlife in the city certainly packs a punch as well. Even if clubbing isn’t your thing, Barcelona has a lot to interest expats: cocktail bars, restaurants, pubs, theatres, music halls, galleries, you name it, it’s probably got it.

If you’re looking for an adventure, Barcelona will certainly provide one, every night, for the rest of your life. You’ll definitely find more than enough to keep you going, long after the sun goes down… In fact, if you want to keep pace with the locals, you’d best be prepared to see the sun come back up again!

Where to go to spend an evening in Barcelona

Las Ramblas – A natural starting point for any new expat is, of course, Las Ramblas and – on either side of it – the narrow streets of the medieval Old Town.

Barcelona’s busiest boulevard by day, Las Ramblas is also heaving by night. Street performers still ply their trade and the pavements throng with locals and tourists heading out for drinks and dinner.

Best Restaurant: The Irati Taverna Basca is a gorgeous restaurant serving up traditional Basque cuisine. If you’re eager to try dishes from these proud people, then don’t look any further than here.

Best Cocktail Bar: Le Pop Cocktail Bar in the Lounge of Le Meridien Hotel (it boasts one of the best bartenders in town, who can mix you a signature Catalan Bellini).

Best Entertainment Venue: Watch a Flamenco Show in Tablao Cordobes, where some of the biggest names in the history of flamenco have performed.

Gothic Quarter – For the more authentic local venue, the labyrinthine alleyways and history-steeped backstreets of the Gothic Quarter await an adventurous expat. Here you’ll find scores of sassy little spots hidden away in dark corners.

Best Restaurant: Attic– A first floor restaurant with a full view of the busy street of the Ramblas, serves Mediterranean cuisine in a reasonably formal atmosphere. Wooden decking, white canopies and orange trees makes for a truly romantic and summer-like setting. The terrace is also framed by two historic buildings, creating a truly unique and regal backdrop for a delicious Spanish meal.

Best Entertainment Venue: El Bosc de Les Fades – its name means ‘fairy wood’, and this sangria-serving grotto just off the bottom end of Las Ramblas is decorated just like one. Fake trees, illusory mirrors, haunting music and simulated rainstorms are all part of the experience.

El Born – One of the most wanted areas to live in Barcelona, is for the trendily-attired expat who wants a more ‘hip’ and sophisticated slice of Barcelona’s nightlife. Here you’ll find history, culture and you can discover hidden hotspots and weird and wonderful surprises.

Best Restaurant: Petra – This is a typical Spanish restaurant for the locals. It is hidden on the corner of Carrer Banys Vells and is a little hard to find because there is no terrace or sign which tells you that it´s a restaurant. The menu is printed on wine bottles and they only serve fresh products. Prices are quite cheap compared to other restaurants.

Best Entertainment Venue: The Palau de la Música. This is one of the finest concert halls in the world and proud UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was designed by Lluís Domènech I Montaner, a contemporary of Gaudí. The hall is exquisitely decorated and has a very special skylight, which is an attraction itself.

Raval – Located on the other side of the Ramblas, Raval is a bohemian’s paradise, it’s Barcelona’s most colorful district. Street kids play cricket or football and generally run riot as beatniks stroke their beards and order another chupito or two.

Best Restaurant: El Rincón de Aragón – a restaurant characterized by traditional, home cooked Aragonese dishes. It has a familiar and welcoming atmosphere and a rustic, authentic and characterful interior.

Best Entertainment Venue: La Boqueria – a huge public market that’s one of the city’s most famous landmarks. The grand iron entrance leads into what is one of Europe‘s largest and most famous food markets, selling fresh produce and for providing a seemingly never-ending supply of exotic fruit smoothies and fresh lemonade.

25 things to do in Barcelona – US Video 10mins 40secs

L’Eixample – ‘The Addition’ is a grand, grid-patterned section of the Catalan capital which is largely residential… but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing going on! Trendy and vibrant, L’Eixample is a bustling area filled with young professionals, and the area around Casanova Street has been dubbed Gayxample, and you don’t need to be a genius to figure out why.

For those missing a quiet pint or for a wee dram of exquisite whiskey, The Lock Inn in L’Eixample is a great place to call your new local.

Best Restaurant: Paco Meralgo – Known to be one of the best tapas bars in Barcelona, it’s casually elegant and always busy. Their mix of delicious, high-quality food is accompanied by a large wine, cava, and champagne selection. Try their brie and asparagus dish, it’s phenomenal.

Best Cocktail Bar: Slow Barcelona – A suave club which creates some pretty innovative concoctions

Gracia – Another area of Barcelona with an alternative vibe, it feels like a village-within-a-city. Here, you’ll find a very Catalan quarter oozing with charisma and an energetic vibe – with not too many tourists, except those who lost their way trying to find Parc Guell. A quieter part of Barcelona, with an older, free-spirited and more genteel crowd.

Best Restaurant: La Pubilla – A bright and cozy restaurant that’s well-known throughout Barcelona for serving up the best menu del dia, or fixed price lunch menu. Beautifully creative presentation, top-notch quality and generous portions make this place a must for a chic Barcelona lunch. Reservations a must!

Poble Sec – Shh, keep it quiet, but these days the once unloved district of Poble Sec a.k.a. Dry Town is now considered to be a pretty hip barrio. Quirky, creative, relaxed and culturally diverse, this area has recently undergone something of a renewal and is quite enchanting.

Best Restaurant: Xemei – If you’re in the mood for a quick break from Spanish cuisine, this restaurant is the stand-out option. The simple yet exquisitely cooked Venetian haute cuisine means it’s normally full so it’s worth making a reservation.

Best Entertainment Venue: El Molino – Barcelona’s most famous theatre in the area is located on the equally famous Parallel Avenue. Expect risqué yet largely tasteful cabaret and burlesque shows.

Reason #2 – Barcelona Has A Wonderful Culture

Catalan culture, quirky architecture, funky street art and beautiful textiles – just some of the things which make up Barcelona’s culture

Barcelona is a lively, unusual, artistic city with a heart that hasn’t changed for over 500 years. Catalans are extremely proud of their identity, rich culture and beautiful language, and this unique heritage blazed the trail for Spain’s 19th Century industrial revolution and artistic boom.

However, after Franco’s armies defeated the Republicans in 1939, the dictator banned the Catalan language, changed street names from Catalan to Castillian (Spanish), and censored their culture.

It was only after Franco’s death in 1975 that the Catalans restored their traditions, speech, and literature – thanks to the European Romantic movement – and reminded the world about its distinct culture.

The Catalan flair for beauty and their love for art and music is evident all over Barcelona. The city offers a feast of sculptures, galleries, concert halls, impressive architecture, art cafés, and fashion. It is the city of the young Picasso, of Miro and Tapies, of Modernista buildings by Gaudí, as well as the cutting edge structures by Gehry and Nouvel.

The atmosphere which coats Barcelona can only be described as open. Everyone is accessible, friendly, and always willing to chat. When moving from the UK to Spain, one of the biggest details to consider about what you’d like to experience from your new home should be the ambiance of the village, town or city you’re moving to, and Barcelona offers open views, open people, and an open mindset which inspires and entertains.

The Catalans generally have a reputation for being hard-working, ambitious and conservative, and their folklore has been strongly influenced by Roman Catholicism.

Their love of superior fashion and the traditional importance they give textiles is reflected in Barcelona’s drive to become a major fashion centre.

There have been many attempts to launch the city as a fashion capital, and The Brandery, an urban fashion show, is held in the city twice a year. The dress style in Barcelona is classed as formal for both men and women. Shorts are still vaguely catching on for ladies, but most of the time you will get a weird look when wearing shorts. Stick with skirts and dresses for the summer.

Very few European cities can compete with the cultural experiences on offer in Barcelona. The city celebrates its remarkable artistic legacy at every turn and British expats living there can while away hours exploring its numerous delights.

Barcelona really is a mishmash of structures, and has a series of architectural works awarded the World Heritage designation by the UNESCO.

Other important things to consider about Barcelona

Picturing yourself living in Barcelona is one thing, working out whether it’s feasible to actually live there is something entirely different.

The thought of spending long, warm summer days exploring the city’s maze of alleyways and narrow streets whilst immersing yourself in culture, treating yourself to a shopping trip, and smelling the intoxicating aromas of rice dishes and tapas as you go, is all well and good, but can you afford to do the shopping? Will you be able to cope with all that walking?

These are just some of the questions you’ve got to ask yourself, and below you’ll find all the other things you should consider before moving to Barcelona from the UK.

We’ve also thrown in a few tips and tricks on how to “Hack Barcelona” like a local.

1. Cost of Living

You’ll need more than other places here in Barcelona

The cost of living in Barcelona is over six per cent higher than it is in Spain’s capital, Madrid. Therefore, you really need to have substantial savings to start your new life here. An average sized, two-bedroom apartment across the city can cost you around €1200 to rent, per month. Try Foto Casa, it’s a great website to view apartments to rent/buy and gives you a general idea of how much your new dream home might cost.

A cinema ticket will cost you about €8, a gym membership will be around €40, a bus ticket costs more than €2, and most essential grocery items cost upwards of €1.50. If you’re looking for a gastronomic delight, a three-course meal will set you back about €40 per person.

If you’re looking to buy or sell things once you’re in Spain, try downloading the Segundamano app. It’s the most popular secondhand service in Spain, like Gumtree, where people can sell and buy their used stuff.

2. Transport

Barcelona is a small, compact city of just under 40 square miles, making it smaller than London and similarly sized to Amsterdam. You can explore the city’s nooks and crannies, its 86 gardens and parks, plus its 3 miles of coast by foot, but this can be incredibly tiring.

So, here are a few suggestions of how to move around the city like a local.

Bicing – Bikes that you can rent and park up anywhere around the city

Bicing to move around – If you like riding a bike, renting a Bicing bike is the perfect way to move around Barcelona. Very efficient, quick and simple.

Bla Bla Car to go outside Barcelona for less – Bla Bla Car is a hitchhiking system that connects passengers with drivers who have spare seats in their car. It might not be for everyone as it is based on ridesharing but I assume it’s worth to put it out here for your consideration.

Free parking outside of the city center – Parking in Barcelona city center can easily give you a headache. We highly recommend leaving your car on a free parking away from the city center and getting to your destination by metro.

Download the TMBApp – The official Barcelona public transport app. After downloading it and creating an account you can configure it to work best for you. Choose underground and bus lines, the ones you use most frequently, and get the access to their timetables. You will also get notifications with alerts about “your lines”.

3. Meeting New People

Download the Meetup App or join their website. This application is well-known all over the world but its particular value is shown when you arrive in a new place. Barcelona is a vibrant city and it would be a sin to just stay at home all the time.

If you want to make friends or acquaintances to jog with, go to yoga with, play golf, drink wine, watch a movie, on Meetup you’ll find groups with similar interests. Many of them are expats just like you, so chances are you’ll find someone with common interests. It’s always worth trying at least once anyway!

Other useful information

Hopefully this will be you soon, jus chilling out, taking in the sites of beautiful, albeit chaotic Barcelona!

We really hope our handy guide has been helpful. Either you’ve learned something new about this wonderful place, or it’s helped you to make your decision and you’re thinking of moving to sunny Barcelona!

If that’s the case, please don’t hesitate to contact us now for help and advice on your removals from the UK to Barcelona, or anything else about becoming an expat in Spain. If we don’t know the answer to your question, we can point you in the right direction to get one!

Work has recently finished on the 880m extension to the Paseo on Mojacar Playa in Almeria, Spain.

After being started in April last year, it has been finished slightly ahead of the scheduled time of 14 months.

With the new addition, there is now almost 3 kilometres of paseo and cycle path for all visitors and residents to enjoy.

As well as making the area from the Stables roundabout to The Red cross Station much easier to access and enjoy, the new paseo has cleaned up the area past the Pueblo Indalo Tourist Urbanisation, at the same time widening what was always a dangerously narrow road section too.

This section was supposed to be undertaken immediately after the initial section of Paseo was completed in 1998, but the money somehow wasn’t available to continue the work!

From breathtaking shores to beautiful countryside scenery – Murcia really does have an amazing backdrop. Click for Map Guide

So, you’ve decided to become an expat (congratulations by the way!) and you’ve promised yourself that by this time next year you’re going to be living the life of Riley somewhere in sunny Spain.

To help you decide where that’s going to be, this post – part of our series of guides about the villages, towns, cities, provinces and regions of Spain – will provide you with lots of useful information about the breathtaking province of Murcia.

We’ll also explain why other British expats love it there so much.

If you’re already an expat living in Murcia and want to know why you should continue reading this article, well, we’ll be unveiling some of the truly one-of-a-kind experiences and hitherto unknown sights to see across the region. If you’re thinking of moving home to here, or anywhere else on the Iberian Peninsular, contact us now for a free, no obligation quote for your removal to the Sun!

So… Let’s crack on and find out why Murcia is one of the best areas of Spain to move to as a British expat.

(All links in this article open in a new tab of your browser, so you don’t lose your place!)

Where is the Region of Murcia?

Murcia is a typically Spanish area located in southeastern Spain – Click on the picture above for a Map Guide. It’s one of the country’s most beautiful regions, as it has escaped the coastal development of its neighbouring regions (apart from La Manga, of course).

Inland, Murcia is an arid desert vista where historic towns are surrounded by orchards, olive groves, plantations and vineyards, as well as the remains of weatherbeaten, time ravaged Moorish castles.

All are set to the backdrop of imposing pine-covered mountains which stretch all the way to the coast. Here, along the Costa Cálida – a selection of divine white sandy beaches stretching almost 170 km – is where two oceans meet one coastline. This results in Murcia’s coast having luxuriously warm, crystal clear waters and turquoise blue saltwater lagoons like Mar Menor. Absolutely heavenly.

Why Murcia Is The Perfect Place To Call Home

A perfect place for lots of reasons

A combination of outstanding air quality, the Mediterranean diet, a warm dry climate, a low crime rate and being sparsely populated, all make Murcia region one of the healthiest and safest places in Spain to call home.

People here really do live longer, healthier lives. Slow-paced and stress-free, the only times most towns and cities stay up to party ’til dawn in Murcia are around the times of their local, flamboyant and vibrant fiestas, like the Burning of the Sardine. This is a night of madness and mayhem, where a noisy, colourful procession of floats, guarded by torchbearers, travels through the streets of Murcia city, throwing toys and sweets out to children and adults alike.

Expats who move to the region of Murcia can benefit from excellent private Medical care, superfast broadband and delicious Spanish gastronomy. The cost of living in the region ranges from the extremely cheap to the reasonably affordable.

Mazarron and Aguilas – incredibly enchanting places at night.

This, of course, depends entirely on where you choose to live, but much like in the UK, most villages and small towns will be cheaper to call home, compared to the cities. On the whole, though, essential grocery shopping, meals out and activities are about 16 percent cheaper than they are in the Spanish capital, Madrid, and renting property is almost 50 percent cheaper.

The weather in Murcia is consistently wonderful all year round thanks to its Mediterranean climate. In general, the region boasts around 325 sunny days a year with average temperatures getting slightly above 19 C, as well as very little rain.

La Manga, Lo Pagan and Cartagena, in the Murcia Region of Spain

The winters are mild, the summers are hot, and the air quality is incredibly high. So much so that the World Health Organisation has named Murcia’s regional climate as one of the best in the world, particularly for sufferers of arthritis and asthma.

The region of Murcia also has strong British expat connections, so high levels of Spanish aren’t needed. This makes the transition of moving to Spain a whole lot easier. Across the region’s cities and larger towns (which we’ll discuss in a moment!), expats will find plenty of English speaking organisations and clubs to join, so no one will ever feel like an outsider here.

Popular Cities and Towns in Murcia

Plus the unique things you can see and do there

Murcia

Murcia Tourist Video (4min 14sec)

Murcia is a vibrant city, home to a mishmash of cultures, an assortment of architectural designs, and a plethora of colourful traditions and lively fiestas.

It has been ranked as one of the top ten cities to live in Spain for the quality of life. The city has all the large facilities, modern amenities, wonderful shops, and exciting nightlife that people expect from, say, London or Leeds, but the pace of life really is much slower.

It’s a place where nothing is ever hurried, period. It’s also a place where expats will never get bored. Culture and history just seem to ooze from every narrow street, and these streets always lead to attractive plazas and wide, tree-lined walkways. There is always an interesting museum, bridge, garden or restaurant to visit.

Just Some Of The Must Visit Restaurants in Murcia

Madre de Dios on Calle del Arzobispo Simón López – A beautiful restaurant found tucked away on a narrow street.

La Pequena Taberna Típica in the Plaza San Juan – An elegant restaurant which is a favourite with the locals. The fish they serve is tremendous.

Don’t miss out on the city’s remaining fiestas this year

The International Festival of Mediterranean Folklore – July, 11 – July 15, 2016 – A colourful event where folk groups from all over the world come to Murcia city to raise awareness of typical Mediterranean tradition and culture.

The Moors and Christians Festival – September 1 – September 13, 2016 – One of the most important fiestas in the city, this celebration is truly steeped in history and it really is a theatrical performance not to miss. Colourful groups of Moors and Christians parade through the city, playing music and re-enacting the Re-Conquest. Most of the acts take place in the Medieval Encampment in the San Esteban Garden.

Lorca

Lorca Video (2min 45sec)

Lorca is a city which goes by many names: The City of the Sun, The City of One Hundred Shields, The Baroque City… Each name, whichever you choose, reflects how magnificent and spectacular the city actually is, and how much there is to see and do there.

It’s no wonder then that it remains an internationally acclaimed historic and artistic site, with oodles of museums, activity centres and churches to marvel at and enjoy.

In 2011, Lorca won the Europa Nostra Award for conserving its rich heritage of medieval, renaissance and Baroque architecture after an earthquake happened which claimed nine lives.

History really does just seems to ooze from every corner of Lorca and the stunning architecture gives the city an air of luxuriousness and regality. Centuries worth of craft traditions like embroidery, iron forging and pottery, are still made, by hand, by artisan craftspeople, and they, along with fresh fruits and vegetables can be found at the medieval Thursday market, which still runs to this day.

And even though Lorca will always be famously known for its legacy of archaeological sites, historic buildings, culture and rich traditions (particularly its spectacular Easter Week celebrations), it’s a city which has quickly blossomed into a modern and artistic one. With every amenity and convenience an expat could ever need, combined with a slower-paced lifestyle and rich heritage, Lorca is a wonderful place to call home. It has even been recently shortlisted for the European Destinations of Excellence program, in recognition for its sustainable tourism.

Just Some Of The Amazing Things To See And Do Around Lorca City

Experience an atmosphere like no other as you uncover Jewish history beneath the Parador Hotel, which once was an impressive castle.

Immerse yourself in the surroundings of Lorca by taking a leisurely 10 km trek through the Cejo de los Enamorados

Just Some Of The Must Visit Restaurants in Murcia

Casa Candido on Calle Santo Domingo – A rustic restaurant which makes delicious home cooked meals. What’s more, it’s found in a 16th Century building with its own underground caves. The meat is heavenly.

Restaurant Hiroshima, just outside the city – An elaborate restaurant located in a medieval castle. Elegant and sophisticated, the food is divine.

Don’t miss out on the city’s remaining fiestas this year

Lorca’s September Fair – Last 10 days of September – 10 intense days of non-stop entertainment all across the city. Street theater, concerts, a huge fairground with Ferris Wheel and rollercoasters, children’s activities, exhibitions and so much more.

The Moors and Christians Festival also known as The Feast of San Clemente – November 23, 2016 – History comes alive as Jewish and Christians parade around Lorca’s castle, its Old Town and medieval streets.

Aguilas

Aguilas Tourist Video (4min 26sec)

Aguilas is a bustling, flamboyant port town, thanks to its glorious weather, wonderful carnival and beautiful beaches. For this reason, the town is a very popular tourist destination for both the Spanish and the British.

That being the case, Aguilas isn’t as quiet as the other places we’ve mentioned, but it still oozes charm. Famous for its rich seafaring traditions and Roman history, the town adores culture and architecture, which is evident from its funky concert hall, its abundance of interesting museums and magnificent churches.

Down on the golden, sandy beaches, expats can discover delicious seafood and can even give scuba diving, sailing and other marine activities a try. For anyone who doesn’t like to keep still and who enjoys experiencing different things every day, Aguilas is the perfect place to lay down their roots.

Just Some Of The Amazing Things To See And Do Around Aguilas

Try your hand at rock climbing, trek across a beautiful mountainscape, or take an epic 4 x 4 tour of the breathtaking Aguilas countryside.

View the curious and poignant Ermita de Cope chapel, a tiny 16th Century church found on the coast.

Visit the CIMAR museum, for free, and discover nautical wildlife and learn more about the town’s seafaring heritage.

Just Some Of The Must-Visit Restaurants in Aguilas

Poli in Calle Floridablanca – A delightful restaurant that serves the best seafood in town. Has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence by Trip Advisor.

Meson del Willy on Calle Ciclista Julian Hernandez Zaragoza – This is the ideal restaurant to experience an authentic taste of Spanish cuisine. Great value for money and an incredibly warm and friendly service.

Mazarron

Mazarron Video (3min 41sec)

Mazarron is a historic port town, set around a glorious bay which opens up into the warm Mediterranean ocean.

Surrounded by outstanding geological rock formations, breathtaking scenery and stunning beaches, this really is the place to just laze around and relax. Spacious, palm tree-lined plazas and walkways let expats meander around the town’s monuments, ancient buildings (including a Roman Salting Factory) and warm yellow, rich red or sandy coloured houses.

Not known for its nightlife, Mazarron is more famous for its Roman and Phoenician history, seafood, nudist beaches and mining.

The restaurants and handful of cocktail bars may offer English versions of their menus, but an expat will never find a pint of Fosters or pie and a pint being served. For a true slice of quiet Spanish life, Mazarron is the ideal place to call home.

Just Some Of The Must-Visit Restaurants in Mazarron

Chez Zoe in the Paseo de Rihuete – A wonderful seafront restaurant which serves honest, bourgeois French cooking. Fantastic value for money.

El Palenque on Avenida del Mediterraneo – An upscale restaurant which unites the best-grilled meats from Argentina with the flavours of Italy and the Mediterranean.

Don’t miss out on the town’s remaining fiestas this year

The Virgen del Carmen – July 16, 2016 – A traditional and emotional religious marine procession which culminates on the beaches near the port. Expats can see the beautifully decorated Guinamon – a boat chosen to have the honour of carrying the image of the Patron Saint of Fisherman, Virgen del Carmen – and join in the Mass.

The Bolnuevo Sardine Festival – November 17, 2016 – Join in the bright, colourful historic celebration which came about after the Virgen de la Purisima saved the town from Berber pirates.

La Manga del Mar Menor

La Manga Video (1min 28sec)

La Manga del Mar Menor, also known as the paradise between two seas, is an upscale beach resort on an exquisite strip of land which separates the Mediterranean sea from Europe’s largest saltwater lake, Mar Menor.

Here, expats can enjoy the finer things in life – like golfing, playing tennis, eating delicious and healthy foods, boutique shopping, relaxing and immersing themselves in culture – whilst breathing in the pure air and benefitting from bathing in Mar Menor’s salt waters (they’re incredibly good for those who suffer from rheumatism and eczema).

As a luxurious beach resort the town is clean and spacious, Every Sunday there is a bustling market, the Mercadillo de Cabo, which is rather like a car boot or flea market, but on a grander scale.

On the whole, La Manga is relatively peaceful, but it does become particularly lively during the summer thanks to tourism. From June until September, the nightlife becomes even more exciting and the beautiful beaches become packed with bathers.

This really is a wonderful place to call home if you enjoy the modernity, hustle, bustle, excitement and touches of luxury that a top resort town offers.

Just Some Of The Amazing Things To See And Do Around La Manga del Mar Menor

There are loads of things to see and do in Murcia, including river rafting on the Rio Segura River and seeing the exquisite countryside by hot air balloon

With the region of Murcia being so beautiful, healthy and such a wonderful place to relax and unwind, it’s undoubtedly the best location for any expat wanting to get away from it all and thoroughly enjoy life in their new, Spanish casa. Ahh, true bliss!

Now all you have to do is decide where exactly it is you want to call home!

Here are our top tips on how you can save your skin from the Spanish sun this summer, including a free online skin-type quiz, what you should avoid, and how to effectively protect your children too.

Too much of a good thing can be bad for you

As a people, we Brits absolutely adore the sun, but unfortunately, our relationship with it, living in the UK and all, is like being married to Henry DeTamble from The Time Traveller’s Wife.

It randomly pops in and out of our lives, and only stays with us for a short period of time before – poof – it disappears again. When will it be back? Who knows!

But when it does arrive, and the temperature manages to creep up above 13°C, we are completely unabashed about showing our affection for our favourite star. Men whip off their shirts and put on their shorts, and women don bikinis or cami tops and skirts, just to soak up as many rays as possible.

Understandably then, spending more and more time in the sun has become a top priority for expats and holiday-makers alike, so it doesn’t come as a surprise to learn that Spain is the sun lover’s top European destination.

That’s because there’s nowhere sunnier in the whole of Europe and, even though as a country Spain has an extremely varied climate, in the end, it doesn’t matter whereabouts within this lovely Country you visit or decide to make your home, you’re certainly going to find somewhere warmer and sunnier to stay than in Britain!

However, even though the sun can improve your health and it can put you in a better mood, there are some downsides to spending too long unprotected from the sun’s UV rays.

You will be at risk from sunburn (which can leave you with headaches; painful, red skin, chills, and nausea), and of course, skin cancer.

To help protect and educate yourself, follow these 8 tips.

(All links in the article open in a new window, so you don’t lose your place!)

1) Find out how susceptible your skin is to sun damage

Having ivory skin, lots of freckles or ginger hair means you’re more susceptible to sun damage.

Some people are more susceptible to sun damage and skin cancer than others, and that’s down to what type of skin you have.

People who have incredibly fair or ivory skin, lots of freckles, or ginger hair, are the most at risk, whereas people with very dark skin are at the lowest risk.

This is because people with a darker skin pigmentation have more natural protection against the sun.

It takes into account your genetic disposition and the way your body normally reacts to sun exposure, to tell you what your skin type is, and what precautions you’ll need to take to protect yourself from the sun in the future.

2) Avoid these sunburn boosters

Using certain skin care products increases the likelihood that you’ll get sun damage

If you can, it’s quite a good idea to avoid certain medicines, skin care products and foods when you’re planning to spend a lot of time in the sun, because there are many products which we use every day that can actually increase our sun sensitivity.

If you can, try to avoid using these prescription drugs and over-the-counter pain relievers

Acne or eczema treatments (anything with benzoyl peroxide or hydrocortisone in it)

Ibuprofen

Antihistamines

Antifungals

Herbal remedies such as St. John’s Wort

Try to avoid using these skin care products

Perfumes

Exfoliating facial scrubs

Chemical peels

Any skin care product that says it can be used to fight the signs of aging, and that has alpha-hydroxy or beta-hydroxy acids in it

Any skin care product that markets itself as a blemish buster, one that clears blackheads, soothes red skin and gets rid of clogged pores that has salicylic acid in it

Any skin care product that claims it regenerates the skin’s appearance and has glycolic acids in it

Any anti-wrinkle skin care product that has Retin-A in it

And try to avoid eating

Celery

Citrus Fruits (so watch out for those poolside margaritas and vodka tonics!)

Dill

Fennel

Parsley

Parsnips

Artificial sweeteners

3) Use sunscreen

I’m sure we’d all use sunscreen more if it meant we got a free yacht thrown in!

Sunscreens are used to protect our skin from the harmful effects of the sun, and they also help to protect against premature aging too!

Using a sunscreen will help decrease the risk of sunburn and the risk of getting skin cancer. The active ingredients in sunscreen work either by absorbing the sun’s UV radiation, or by reflecting it.

A broad spectrum sunscreen helps to protect against sunburn and skin cancer, and the most effective sun protection factor (SPF) is SPF 50.

If a sunscreen manufacturer claims that their product is water-resistant, they can only put on the label that the lotion lasts for either 40 or 80 minutes before the effects of the sunscreen are deemed ineffectual.

Because of this, it’s really important to apply at least one ounce (that’s enough lotion to fill a shot glass) of sunscreen, and lip balm, at least 15minutes before going outdoors, and to reapply it every hour and a half.

Remember also, don’t use sunscreens if they have gone past their expiration date.

4) Get a good pair of gafas de sol (sunglasses)

Not the most useful place for a pair of shades

Not all sunglasses can protect you from the sun’s harmful UV rays and high-energy visible (HEV) light, and darker lenses aren’t any better at protecting you from the sun either.

In actual fact, unless they’re fabricated to block UV, dark lenses can be more harmful than wearing no sunglasses at all! That’s because they cause the pupils to dilate, allowing more UV light into the eyes.

The lenses of a good pair of sunglasses should be dark enough that you can’t see your eyes when looking in a mirror. Most glasses claim that they block UV, or are UV-absorbent, but unless they can block a specific percentage of UV, (the best are 99 – 100% absorbent), then they’re not going to be much use.

Therefore, it’s always best to go to an optician for your sunglasses.

5) Seek shade

No one minded heading for the shade when the promise of lounging in a hammock cropped up in conversation

Shade is a valuable means for protecting yourself against the sun’s direct UV rays, especially if you intend to spend a lot of time outdoors.

However, just because you’re in the shade, doesn’t mean to say that you’re completely safe from sun damage. Indirect UV light can still reach your skin when it bounces back from reflective surfaces like sand, water, snow, and concrete.

That’s why it’s still very important to wear sunscreen, even though you’re hiding from the sun under a hat, tree, or in a shaded structure.

Using umbrellas isn’t recommended as a place to shade under because they provide relatively little UV protection, in fact, you can still receive up to 84 per cent of the sun’s UV rays whilst hiding under a brolly.

Shady trees on the other hand, with large spreads of dense foliage, offer much better protection, especially during the middle of the day.

Hats are brilliant at protecting you from sunburn and skin cancer too, because the disease is disproportionately concentrated on the head. By wearing a wide brimmed hat and lots of suntan lotion on your ears, nose, cheeks and neck, you can really improve your chances of guarding yourself against sun damage.

It’s pretty safe to say that only being indoors can offer true shade protection. Which is why the Spanish have a siesta during the day, to get them off of the streets when the sun is at its most powerful.

6) Eat these foods!

Well this is going to make for an interesting lunch!

Even though there are some foods which you should try to avoid when you’re getting your tan on, here are some which have actually been shown to increase the skin’s ability to protect itself from UV rays.

Fish rich in Omega 3

Red and orange coloured fruits and veg

Herbs

Dark chocolate

Brassicas, like broccoli, kale, spinach and cauliflower

Green tea

What are these foods sun blocking secrets? Antioxidants. They travel throughout your body, protecting your healthy cells from nasty free radicals, the molecules from the sun which contribute to sun damage.

7) Teach your children the ABCs about the sun

They really should be wearing hats!

Because children spend a lot of time outdoors, they get most of their lifetime sun exposure in their first 18 years, so teaching them the ABCs about how they can protect themselves from the sun is very important for a healthy and happy childhood.

= Away Advise your children to stay out of the sun as much as possible during the middle of the day (between 10am and 4pm) and if they do go outside, they should play in the shade

= Block Teach your children how to apply sun block correctly, and tell them the importance of re-applying it every hour and a half

= Cover Up Explain to your children that even though they’re unfashionable, hats are very important at protecting them from the sun, and so are long sleeved t-shirts and trousers. Even children as young as one year old should wear sunglasses with UV protection.

8) Keep checking your skin

If this isn’t a case for wearing socks with sandals, we don’t know what is!

Whenever you’ve enjoyed spending time in the sun, it’s important to keep checking your skin regularly, so that you can see if you’ve sustained any sun damage.

You’ll know if you’ve got sunburn because it is very noticeable (the affected parts of your skin become red, sore, warm, and occasionally itchy) and it happens in a very short space of time after being exposed to the sun.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for skin cancer, and it’s very difficult to tell whether you may have contracted it. It’s a good idea to keep an eye out for any changes on your skin, and make sure you inspect your skin regularly – and that of your partner and your children – to catch any changes early so they can be dealt with.

As a general rule, you should visit your doctor if you notice any new moles or growths, changes in your existing moles, or you have get cuts, scratches, or bruises which change, itch, bleed, or don’t heal.

So there you have it, eight tips on how to enjoy the Spanish sun safely.

We Love the Sun!

And even though the notoriously scary ‘C-word’ was used, it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t overly worry about the sun, and certainly don’t let yourself become a solar-phobe. The sun is there for us to enjoy, and some exposure to it is beneficial to your health.

Spending time in the sun’s warm glow helps our minds and bodies in many ways. Some of the most important are listed below

It increases the levels of Vitamin D in our bodies, and high levels of Vitamin D help to boost our immune system, lower cholesterol, they help the kidneys do their job of removing waste from our bodies better, they strengthen our bones, and they help reduce anxiety.

It boosts our metabolism

It reduces stress

It fights Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

The sun also helps alleviate the pain caused by diseases like Multiple Sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure, and for those who don’t suffer from them, soaking up the sun’s rays can help prevent the risk of getting them in the first place.

Amazingly, studies have also shown that the Vitamin D we get from sunbathing actually aids in reducing the risk of some cancers!

Michael Holick, M.D. of the Vitamin D Research Lab at Boston University Medical Center, sums it up perfectly. “The current message that all unprotected sun exposure is bad for you is too extreme: The original message was that people should limit their sun exposure, not that they should avoid the sun entirely… Some unprotected exposure to the sun is important for health”.

We all love our Pets – so you must take them with you when you move abroad

Did you know that in 2015, a whopping 46 percent of households within the UK registered as having pets? That’s an amazing 12 million families across the whole of Great Britain who love sharing their homes and spending their time with many a furry, feathery or scaly friend.

So it’s pretty safe to assume that if you’re currently planning on becoming an expat and are considering moving to Europe, you’ll be wanting to know how your pets can also make the move with you from the UK to Spain, France, Germany, or wherever it is that you want to put down your roots.

Fortuitously, we’ve prepared this handy guide which explains absolutely everything you’ll ever need to know about moving abroad with your pets, so read on to find out what it is you need to do to make sure that your soft, fluffy, velvety, and sometimes slimy companions will make it safe, sound, and more importantly so, legally, to your new casa/maison/haus.

(All links in this article open in a new tab of your browser, so you don’t lose your place!)

Dogs, Cats and Ferrets

The first thing to do when preparing your dogs, cats and/or ferrets for travel across Europe, is to research the country you’re moving to, so as to find out whether your animal is allowed to enter their land, as you need to make sure your pet isn’t on any banned breeds lists.

Unfortunately, many countries still consider a handful of dog breeds to be dangerous, and some countries do not like certain cats to enter their land as they deem their traits to be harmful and cause deformities in kittens. There are also some countries that think that foreign ferrets are nasty little blighters who, if able to escape, will go and bully and torment the local wildlife.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information in regards to what is and isn’t allowed admission to any particular country, the best people to contact are the Embassies and Consulates of the country/region you’re moving to.

Unfortunately, if you do own a pet that is banned in the place you’re going to call home, or if you just cannot fulfil any of the special requirements and obligations to owning a certain type of breed, then you’ll have to consider who should look after your pet instead, when it’s time for you to leave the UK

However, this is highly unlikely, so if you are lucky in that your pet is allowed into your new country, the next thing to do is to book an appointment at the vets for your dog, cat and/or ferret, as you need to ask for a rabies vaccination.

Some veterinarians will provide just one, others recommend a course of two injections. It is important to remember that animals cannot receive a rabies vaccine before being 3 months old, and you cannot leave the UK for another EU country, with your pet, until 21 days after the primary vaccination. The day after the vaccination has been done is counted as Day One.

Whilst you’re at the vets, you should also ask them to prepare a Pet Passport and, if applicable, a Fit to Fly Certificate. Which will mean having your dog, cat and/or ferret microchipped – if not chipped already. The only other requirement is for the animal to be wormed.

Once all of these requirements have been met, your furry friends are ready to travel with you, and it’s important to remember that if they can’t be with you on your journey, they must travel within five days of you leaving the UK.

Rabbits, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs and Rodents

These lovely little critters don’t have to undergo rabies vaccinations or BE microchipped like dogs, cats and ferrets, but countries in Europe do have their own rules and regulations regarding these animals, so it’s always worth contacting Embassies and Consulates to get the most up-to-date information. For example, Germany will only let you bring in three of these animals, Ireland requires you to give 24 hours notice of importation, and France requests that you get each animal a Certificate of Good Health, in both English and French to testify that your pets carry no sign of disease.

For France, this certificate should be issued between one and five days before entering the country. It’s also worth noting that if you plan to take your pet rabbits with you on a ferry ride from the UK to say, France or Spain, Brittany Ferries won’t let you take them onboard as they’re considered unlucky!

Birds

Pet birds do not include farm birds such as chickens, turkeys, ducks or geese, and they also don’t include racing or homing pigeons.

Much like their fluffier counterparts, many European countries have their own special requirements when allowing pet birds onto their land, so it’s worth getting in touch with a representative from your new country to ask them to provide you with the most up-to-date information available.

Many European countries will require your birds to have a vaccination against Avian Flu, plus a Certificate of Good Health written in the local language and signed and stamped by an official vet.

Snakes, Lizards, Tortoises, Fish and Other Exotic Animals

Snakes, Lizards & Tortoises

As with all the other animal friends we’ve come across, the best way to get the most accurate information about whether you can or can’t take your pet gecko, snake, or terrapin with you abroad, is to contact your new country/region’s Embassies and Consulates.

A Vet can be your new best friend

As we’ve seen, preparing pets for European travel can be a bit of a lengthy process, and it may be the case that you’ll have to reconsider when you’re going to move, so that you can accommodate all those visits to the vet and waiting for the 21 days for a rabies vaccine to have kicked in.

It’s also worth remembering that with all the vet appointments and pieces of documentation needed to prove that you own your animals and that they’re fit, healthy and disease free, you’re going to have to incur some expenses. It might be worth calling your veterinarian now to ask how much this is all going to cost you.

And speaking of expenses, it is also highly recommended that you alter or change any pet insurance you have with a British-based company, so that it provides full European cover, or cancel it and take out new pet insurance in your new country.

Don’t worry little puss, you’ll soon be in your new home!

In our next post all about moving abroad with pets, we’ll be providing you with an in-depth guide about how to make the process of moving our furry friends go as smoothly as possible, and we’ll be answering those burning questions like, “Is it worth investing in a Pet Transportaion company?”, “Is it more affordable to take our pets with us on a ferry, rather than on a plane?”, “Should I give my pets a tranquilizer to make their journey more comfortable?”, and more.

If you have any other questions that you’d like to ask about moving your pet abroad, why not get in touch and we’d be happy to help as much as we can.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to chat about a removals service from the UK to Europe, sin pets, then feel free to go here for a superfast quote about that too!

The wonders of Almeria – A great place for any British expat to call their new home. Click for Map view in a new tab

This essential guide, part of our series of guides about the villages, towns, cities, provinces and regions of Spain, will give you plenty of information about the wonderful province of Almeria, in the region of Andalucia, in Spain.

If you’re window shopping because you haven’t yet decided whether you want to become an expat, or if you have and you just can’t decide where it is that you’d like to call your new home, this may well help make up your mind.

And, if you do already live in the Province of Almeria, and are looking for some interesting and unique things to do there, you won’t be disappointed!

Our guide unveils just some of the truly one-of-a-kind experiences and sights to see in Almeria.

Where is the Province of Almeria?

Almeria is located in southern Spain, in the southeast corner of the Iberian Peninsula, on the beautiful shores of the Mediterranean sea.

Inland, where it’s sparsely populated, there’s an eclectic array of fertile fields, saltwater lakes, arid deserts, and the imposing presence of the awe inspiring Sierra de Gádor mountain range for you to behold.

Other notable places which expats like to lay down their roots in the Province of Almeria include:

Nijar

Velez Blanco

San Jose

Vera

Cuevas del Almanzora

Sorbas

Bedar

Adra

Palomares

Los Gallardos

Laujar de Andarax

El Pinar

Taberno

Macael

Serón

Chirivel

Lubrin

Pulpi

Alfaix

Oria

Villaricos

San José

Olula del Rio

Tabernas

Aguadulce

Huercal Overa

Albox

Carboneras

La Alfoquia

Velez Rubio

Antas

Cantoria

Olula del Campo

Gador

Los Carasoles

San Juan de los Terreros

Las Negras

El Ejido

Almeria, Roquetas de Mar and Mojácar, in the Almeria Province of Andalucia, Spain

What’s it like for a British expat to live in Almeria?

Climate

The Province of Almeria is located in the only region of Europe which has a hot, subtropical desert climate, and annual temperatures normally get above 19°C. The warmest and driest area of Europe, there’s little rainfall, so winters are warm and dry, and summers are sizzlingly scorching with no chance of rain at all.

Almeria enjoys about 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and Almeria City is unique in Europe for not having recorded any temperatures below freezing.

The coldest temperature was 0.2°C in February 1935! The warmest temperature recorded was in the summer of 2011 with daily highs reaching an astronomical 43°C, and at night the temperatures don’t ever seem to drop below 8°C.

Ease at finding an English speaking job

It’s relatively easy for a British expat to find a job in the Province of Almeria as the county is blossoming into a popular tourist destination.

As with anywhere, cities and large towns offer the best chances for gaining employment, but if you run your own business and work from home, you can live anywhere! Most English speaking jobs here are based around the retail and hospitality sectors.

Most full time working hours are 40 per week, and due to afternoon siestas, shifts are split up so that you have a three hour break between 2.00pm and 5.00pm.

Quality of life

Almeria offers expats the chance to slow down, take stock and really enjoy the here and now.

The pace of life, on the whole, is less hectic, much more so in the smaller towns and villages, but the city of Almeria and its larger neighbours still offer the exciting nightlife and cultural experiences, even more flamboyantly so when there are fiestas.

There are loads of things to see and do in Almeria, including Wild West Film Sets, taking a camel ride in Mojácar and visiting the Vera Water Park

There are so many shops to explore, cafés and restaurants to dine in to get an authentic taste of Spanish gastronomy, and sports to do to keep fit and healthy that expats will never be bored. The cost of things in Almeria are affordable; essential grocery shopping, meals out, activities and renting property are nearly 50 percent cheaper than they are in the Spanish capital, Madrid.

With the fantastic Spanish Health Care system, its gloriously sunny weather, having the clearest skies in Europe and having a laid-back attitude to boot, the Province of Almeria really is a great place for an expat to call their new home.

If you’ve found this article useful and you’d like to find out more about moving to Almeria from the UK, or if you’d like to book your Removal to Almeria, click here for a superfast quote.

For advice about becoming an expat in general, see the list of other helpful articles below, or contact us now for help or more info.

I don’t know about you, but when I hear the words “Spanish Costa” I can’t help but conjure up rich imagery of impressive mountains, sleepy inland idylls, bright warm sunshine and sparkling oceans.

I find my senses become overwhelmed by a tapestry of vibrant colours, & I can hear the hustle and bustle of happy tourists enjoying a much needed holiday.

My skin tingles as I feel the warmth of the sun on my skin, as I shield my eyes away from the glare of pristine white buildings and my mouth starts to water as I smell the delightful aromas of the various gastronomic delights that fill the air all along the coast.

And that’s why the Spanish Costas are so special, even just thinking about them fills you with delight. For this reason, many a British Expat chooses a Costa to call their new home, and hundreds leave for the Costa del Sol, the Costa Blanca or the Costa Brava every day.

But did you know that there are 13 other Costas around Spain? Each promises exactly what I described earlier, but they each have their own unique appeal, so if you’re thinking about becoming an expat and want to live by the coast, you’ve got to ask yourself which Costa is the hottest Costa for me?

Let’s find out! (This post is part of our series of guides about the villages, towns, cities, provinces and regions of Spain)

Below I’ve listed every Costa within Spain, along with extensive info on each one, and what attractions there are in nearby places This will give you a real feel for the place and help you decide if it is somewhere you’d like to spend time in. If there’s a particular Costa you’d like to find out about, they are arranged alphabetically, so you can scroll straight to the one you want.

I hope it goes without saying that if you want help with a forthcoming move to one of the wonderful Costas of Spain, we can help, as we’ve been doing just that for many years – get your free quote here

This is a big article, so make a coffee, find a comfy chair and settle down to enjoy finding out about the wonders that await you on the Costas of Spain – Oh and by the way, all clickable links and pictures open in a new tab, so you won’t lose your place in this article!

Costa de Almeria

Mojacar, Costa Almeria

Location: South East – Andalucia Region

Nearby towns/cities: Almeria City, Mojácar, Roquetas de Mar, Vera

Nearest Airport: Almeria (5 miles)

This Costa makes up the coastline of the Almeria Province in the picturesque Andalucia Region of Spain. It boasts eight beautiful beaches which offer an expat exciting sandy coves and rocky headlands to explore, or a place to lap up the glorious sun on soft golden sands. This Costa offers an expat a relaxed pace of life, and a place steeped in history, surrounded by National Parks and peaceful villages.

The beach at Roquetas de Mar is the best place for young families or those seeking work to call their home. This bustling coastal town provides the facilities of a city, but at a much slower pace.

The beachside villages of Mojácar and Playa de las Negras offer quaint surroundings, stunning architecture, and isolated beaches. Vera Playa isn’t for the fainthearted and isn’t a place to show to your Grandma as it’s also got a nudist beach!

Living on the Costa de Almeria is affordable, as rental prices are 54 percent cheaper than in Madrid and it’s 62 percent cheaper to buy property here.

English speaking jobs along the Costa de Almeria are easy to obtain, particularly in the hospitality industry, and you don’t need to be fluent in Spanish to get by.

There is always plenty to see and do and local cultures to experience throughout the Costa de Almeria. Expats who settle here can:

On the whole, this area of Spain is ideal for the expat who loves the outdoors and who enjoys soaking up history and culture. The lifestyle here is typically Spanish, so the pace of life is slower, but people know how to celebrate the arts, music and know how to keep important traditions and festivals alive.

The attractive seaside town of Benicássim mixes modernity with Middle Eastern history and is home to the annual FIB International Music Festival.

Living along the Costa Azahar is reasonable, on the whole, as prices are 38 percent cheaper than in Madrid. Cheese and meat are more expensive here than in the Costa de Almeria. Renting property here is 38 percent cheaper than in Madrid, and purchasing property is 55 percent cheaper.

English speaking jobs are hard to come by here so a high level of Spanish is recommended, even in Valencia, and most English speaking jobs that are advertised are for English teachers.

However, if you went South towards Alicante the job search gets a lot easier. There are many English speaking jobs there, including admin, sales, restaurant or bar work and areas in the service industry, like hairdressers.

You’ll never be short of something amazing to experience where ever you make your home along the Costa Azahar. Expats who settle here can:

Take a boat trip along the stunning subterranean waterways of Joseph’s Caverns at La Vall d’Uixó

Take a boat trip to the horseshoe-shaped Columbretes Islands and scuba dive in the warm waters and revel in the breathtaking scenery

Costa Blanca

Benidorm, Costa Blanca

Location: South East – Valencian Region

Nearby towns/cities: Benidorm and Alicante

Nearest Airports: Alicante (approx.36 miles)

Like the Costa Azahar, this Costa also makes up part of the beautiful Valencian Region of Spain.

Costa Blanca translates as the White Coast, and pristine white beaches are set off against sapphire blue oceans, striking hills and mountains covered in pine trees, and fields upon fields of almond trees and olive groves.

This is one of Europe’s most visited areas and the World Health Organization has named it as having the world’s best climate, so as you can imagine, it’s a very popular tourist destination. Because of this, the Costa Blanca is ideal for young professionals and families.

This coastline has an enticing blend of lively social scenes, legendary nightlife, luxurious resorts and traditional fishing villages for active expats to discover and explore.

Choosing the Costa Blanca as your new home means that you pay, on average 18 percent less for things than you would in Madrid. Property is much cheaper to rent or buy, most apartments here are about 43 percent more affordable than in the Spanish Capital.

English speaking jobs are relatively easy to come by here and you do not need to be fluent in Spanish.

As well as the facilities and lifestyle which a bustling tourist destination brings, there are unique experiences to be had along the Costa Blanca. Expats who live here can:

Become closer to nature by exploring the Serra Gelada Nature Park – its mountain can be climbed in 2 hours

Costa Brava

Cadaqués, Costa Brava

Location: North East – Catalonia Region

Nearby towns/cities: Lloret de Mar and Girona

Nearest Airports: Girona (19 miles)

The Costa Brava makes up the romantic, picture-postcard coastline of the cultural Catalonia Region. Its backdrop is made up of beautiful mountainous hinterlands, lush green valleys, gorges and natural springs, and the towns and villages ooze traditional charm with cobbled streets.

A very popular tourist destination and a haven for artists, as each little town or resort offers something truly unique.

For young professionals, there’s Lloret de Mar, one of the Mediterranean’s most popular resorts and the liveliest of spots on this coastline.

For the family, there’s Tossa de Mar, a historic town built around a magnificent ancient castle which boasts a bustling, attractive resort.

For the retired expat, there’s the medieval town of Pals, situated on top of a hill, this historical and charming place is filled with craft shops, traditional restaurants, and bars.

On the whole, the Costa Brava is just 15 percent cheaper than living in Madrid. Renting or buying property here is pretty much the same situation as the Costa Blanca, apartments are 43 percent cheaper than in Madrid.

English speaking jobs are easiest to find in the tourist resorts of Lloret de Mar, Tossa del Mar, Sitges, and Salou and a high level of Spanish would be recommended if you chose any of the other towns and villages around the coast as your home.

An expat will never get bored around the Costa Blanca, Brits moving here will be able to:

Have a look around Salvidor Dali‘s wacky house – there’s even a seven foot tall stuffed bear at the entrance

Explore the magical terraced gardens near Palafrugell and indulge in the intoxicating scents of oleander and yellow sage

Take an uplifting walk and marvel in the breathtaking views of Camino de Ronda

Costa Calida

Port of Mazzarón, Costa Calida

Location: South East – Murcia Region

Nearby towns/cities: San Pedro del Pinatar and Cartagena

Nearest Airports: Murcia-San Javier (21 miles)

This Costa is sandwiched between the Costa Blanca to the North, and the Costa de Almeria to the South and makes up the coastline of the Murcia Region of Spain. Its fine, sandy beaches are surrounded by dunes and virgin pine forests and the area is flat with quiet roads.

This Costa is an absolutely wonderful place for families and retirees to call home as all of the towns and villages here are family friendly and they offer a relaxed, laid-back way of life.

Promenades are popular, as is good food and celebrating tradition.

The beach at Mar Menor is shallow, so warms quickly, and slopes gently into the ocean, which makes it the perfect beach for young children and anyone who prefers not to be buffeted by a wave.

For those looking for somewhere a bit livelier, the port at Mazarrón near San Pedro del Pinatar offers an array of activities to participate in, and an upbeat social scene.

Living on the Costa Calida is very affordable, expats can expect prices to be about 25 percent cheaper than in Madrid. Fruit seems to cost more, however, meat and other essential shopping items are less than €1.

Apartments can be rented for nearly half the cost of properties in Spain’s Capital, but they’re slightly more expensive to buy.

It is quite hard to find English speaking jobs along the coast, many expats tend to commute to the city of Murcia as it ranks as one of the top 10 cities in Spain for working and trading.

Employment satisfaction is much higher in Murcia than any other region and expats can find work in property, journalism, driving and the service industry. A good level of Spanish is required, much more so in the coastal towns.

The Costa Calida is a truly exciting place to live, and expats who move here can prepare to:

Costa Cantabria

This Costa is found in the North of Spain, in the stunning verdant green region of Cantabria.

The golden white sands of the beaches along the coast sit on the edge of rolling fields, rugged crags, and towns and villages which transport expats back in time.

The whole area is charming and romantic, anywhere along the coast offers an extraordinary quality of life and access to nature. For those wanting to experience a rich Spanish lifestyle in tranquillity, the picturesque historical towns of Cóbreces and Mogro are ideal, whereas the bustling city of Santander offers luxury, lively social scenes and an amazing nightlife.

Choosing to settle along the Costa Cantabria means that expats can benefit from the best bits of living in the Capital but at 15 percent less. Essential food shopping all costs less, even the meat is reasonably priced here, but cheese can be expensive.

Both renting and buying property around the coast works out at about 40 percent cheaper than in Madrid. As most of the towns on the Costa Cantabria are quiet, most expats commute to Santander for work. Being a well-established industrial centre, this city has plenty of English speaking jobs.

This area isn’t just breathtakingly beautiful, it’s also got so much to see and do, and there are plenty of opportunities to discover authentic Spanish experiences:

Discover the cave paintings of Altamira or Cualventi and bond with ancient ancestors

Costa Dorada

This Costa is found on the East coast of Spain, in the historic region of Catalonia, where history and tradition seep into every day life.

The golden sands of this Costa’s blue flag beaches are set in front of cultivated fields and rugged mountains.

A popular tourist destination, this area sees over 3.5 million visitors per year, and it’s a favourite location for expats to move to. Barcelona, Spain’s second largest city, has all the daily hustle and bustle any socialite wants from a new hometown, and it’s a wonderful place for art lovers, cultural connoisseurs and history buffs to call home.

For those wanting to live somewhere quieter, Torredembarra is a cultural town which is excellent for shopping, or Calafell, an ideal for golfers and families.

Expats will find that living in this area can be quite expensive in comparison to other Costas. On average things cost six percent more here than in Madrid. House prices are one to two percent more costly.

This area also requires expats to have a very high level of Catalan, not Spanish, so English speaking jobs are very difficult to find.

Despite this, if an expat chooses to call the Costa Dorada their home, they can get excited by the thought of:

Costa Garraf

This short stretch of coast lies just to the South of Barcelona, and North of the Costa Dorada.

Four seaside towns make up this area and all are overlooked by impressive mountains. Sitges is the most popular expat destination and it’s easy to see why, it offers everyone a tremendous mix of luxury, modernity, tradition, openness, inclusivity, art, and culture. Its beaches are soft and golden, the sea is turquoise and it has its own micro-climate.

On the whole, the Costa Garraf is 28 percent cheaper than living in Madrid, however, beef is expensive. Renting properties in the Costa Garraf works out to be 40 percent cheaper than in the country’s Capital.

Like the surrounding areas in Catalonia, English speaking jobs are hard to come by, and expats need to have high levels of Catalan rather than Spanish.

Regardless of the potential language issue, the Costa Garraf has plenty to lure expats to its seaside towns:

Take a horseback riding tour of the beautiful, rolling countryside of Vilanova i la Geltrú

Costa de la Luz

This Costa makes up the Western part of the Andalucia coastline and faces out towards the Atlantic.

Costa de la Luz translates as Coast of Light, and its unspoiled golden beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters always glitter in the sun. The area is well known for its outstanding natural beauty, and most of the coast are protected as nature reserves.

The seaside city of Cádiz is an ideal location for any expat as it offers modern facilities with a rich history and quirky ambience.

For the adventure seeking expat, Conil de la Frontera is a surfers paradise, and for the hipsters, Tarifa, which is the windsurfing capital of Europe, oozes with charm and a laid-back atmosphere.

Living in the Costa de la Luz is incredibly affordable, on average living costs are 21 percent lower than in Madrid, and most every day essential items cost less than €1, however, fruit does cost more.

Properties can be rented and bought at nearly half the price of those in the Capital, Madrid.

English speaking jobs seem easy to come by in this Costa, particularly in Cádiz where expats can find work as English teachers, administrators and service managers. A high level of Spanish isn’t necessary to live here, but it’s always nice, in any job in Spain.

As well as being a stunning place with jaw-dropping scenery, the Costa de la Luz also seduces expats with its experiences:

Walk the full length of Bolona Beach in Tarifa, find a clutch of rock pools, chip off soap-sized bars of mud from the cliffs, bash them into a paste and get coated in the mud. Lie in the sun until the minerals have dried, wash it all off in the sea and feel peachy-soft skin

See a traditional Andalusian Horse Dance in action in Jerez de la Frontera

Costa Maresme

Calella, Costa Maresme

Location: North East – Catalonia Region

Nearby towns/cities: Calella and Mataró

Nearest Airports: Barcelona (30 miles)

This Costa is found south of the Costa Brava and runs for just 31 miles. Its golden beaches are set off by the dark green rolling hills and dark rugged treelined cliffs that hug the coast.

For young professionals and families, Mataró is a thriving industrial, commercial and tourist town, ideal for setting down roots in a bustling place that is proud of its history.

Calella is the perfect new home for expats who love the arts, culture, staying healthy and looking after their wellbeing. This does seem to come with a price though. Like the Costa Dorada, Costa Maresme is more expensive than Madrid in terms of essential grocery shopping. However, properties work out cheaper to rent or buy here by about 39 percent.

Like its Catalonian neighbours, language is a barrier along this Costa, unless expats have high levels of Catalan, therefore it can be awkward trying to get an English speaking job here.

Even though this may be a potential issue, Costa Maresme has much to offer the intrepid expat:

Costa de Morte

This Costa is found in the North West corner of Spain, in the Galicia region. With a name that translates to Coast of Death, the Costa de Morte is often overlooked by expats and tourists alike.

Sometimes experiencing wild and windy weather, its quaint fishing villages huddled against forested mountain slopes, what the Costa De Morte lacks in climate and infrastructure, it still boasts beautiful coves and isolated beaches.

For expats looking for a completely different taste of Spanish life, A Coruña is a lively city filled with awe-inspiring architecture and history. Affordability is good along the Costa De Morte, living here is 21 percent cheaper than it would be in the Spanish Capital. Properties are on average 40 percent cheaper to buy or rent.

A Coruna is the richest city in Galicia, and there are demands for blue and white collar jobs in finance, communication, sales and manufacturing. Spanish levels do not need to be high here which makes an expat life a lot.

Learning about the human body in the quirky, hands-on, visually satisfying Domus museum

Getting a much deserved pamper in the relaxation temple of the Casa del Agua Termaria Spa

Costa del Sol

Nerja, Costa del Sol

Location: South – Andalucia Region

Nearby towns/cities: Marbella and Malaga

Nearest Airports: Malaga (31 miles)

Arguably the most well known Spanish Costa, the Costa del Sol is found in Southern Spain.

Despite being associated with mass development, negative press and a soulless image, the Costa del Sol still has picturesque areas to discover that are peaceful and beautiful. The whole area sits at the bottom of rolling green foothills and the soft, white sands twinkle with the sparkling oceans under the warm sun.

The Costa del Sol has something for everyone, Puerto Banus is extravagant and luxurious, Marbella is a small, traditional, brightly coloured Spanish town dappled with history and Fuengirola combines medieval markets with modernity and art.

The Costa Del Sol is not as expensive as expats might think, it’s 22 percent cheaper to live here than in Madrid. Like the other Costas, properties are 42 percent cheaper to rent or buy. Because of the well-established expat community, very little Spanish is required to live here and jobs are very easy to come by, particularly in sales.

For expats wanting to move here, the delights of this Costa are endless. Some of the experiences that can be had include:

Costa Tropical

This Costa, also known as Costa Granada, after its province, it found in the Andalucia region of Spain.

Set against the heart-stopping backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the dark blue sea contrasts against pristine white beaches.

For expats wanting to seek out a traditional Spanish home in a peaceful place, Salobrena is ideal. This quiet town is small, bedecked in classical whitewashed houses, and crowned with an imposing Moorish castle.

For those wanting to experience a livelier pace of life, the city of Motril offers a vibrant nightlife, golf courses, shopping centres and a growing commercial economy.

This is one of the cheapest Costas to settle in, as expats can rent or buy property at 50 percent less than it would cost them in the Capital.

English speaking jobs aren’t easy to come by in the Costa Tropical, and most work comes from the tourism industry or retail. Many expats living here who are fluent in Spanish choose to commute to the city of Granada where there are more job opportunities and where there is a growing community of expats from all over the world.

Whilst the Costa Tropical is quieter than its famous neighbour, the Costa del Sol, there’s still plenty for an expat to see and do:

Costa de Valencia

This Costa is almost one continuous beach stretching from Sagunto to Oliva and is found on the East coast of Spain.

Just like Costa Azahar, this area has stunning backdrops of orange, lemon and olive groves, and the countryside is dotted with marshes, wetlands and rice plantations.

For young professionals and families, the city of Valencia is a great place to start a new life. It’s a historic city with impressive architecture and a rich, vibrant culture, and festivals play a prominent role in keeping traditions alive.

For those searching for calmer climes and who want to feel like they’ve been transported back in time, the peaceful town of Sagunto is ideal. The ancient town has been declared a Property of Cultural Interest.

Living costs are similar to the Costa Azahar, overall, they’re 38 percent cheaper than they would be in Madrid. Properties can be rented or bought for less than half the price that they would do in the Spanish Capital. English speaking jobs are difficult to come by, unless expats are qualified as Au Pairs or English teachers. For this reason, a good level of Spanish is required to have an easy life.

Costa Vasca

Bizkaia, Costa Vasca

Location: North – Basque Country

Nearby towns/cities: Bilbao, San Sebastian

Nearest Airports: Bilbao (8 miles)

This Costa is found in the North of Spain and is part of the Basque Country. The enchanting white beaches are surrounded by rolling hills, natural parks, the Pyrenees mountains and the twinkling of the Guernica river lazily making it’s way to the sea.

Bilbao is the perfect city for a young professional or family to call home. It is a vibrant, bustling, cultural city, and is the financial and industrial epi-centre of the Basque Country.

For those on the quest to find somewhere more exciting and traditional, the tiny village of Mundaka is the place to call home. It is the surfing capital of Europe where the locals are warm, friendly and passionate.

Expats will find that living along the Costa Vasca is 10 percent more expensive than life in Madrid. Renting an apartment is three percent cheaper than in Madrid, but buying property costs nearly 40 percent more.

Most expats who live in the Costa Vasca work in Bilbao, as it is heavily industrialized so offers a much stronger chance of getting a job than the other surrounding towns or villages. Spanish levels need to strong, but it’s not necessary to be fluent.

Expats who call the Costa Vasca their new home can discover its wonders:

Take a Crusoe Treasure Boat Trip and taste delicious wines in Plentzia

Costa Verde

Gijón, Costa Verde

Location: North – Asturias Region

Nearby towns/cities: Candás and Gijón

Nearest Airports: Asturias (26 miles)

This Costa is also found in Northern Spain, within the Asturias Region. Green meadows practically meet the glorious sandy beaches and the sands are overlooked by spectacular cliffs.

For expats looking to enjoy traditional Spanish laid back life in the beautiful landscapes of the Green Coast, Candás is perfect. A little town nestled on the cliffs of the Bay of Biscay, Candás offers expats charm and tranquillity.

For the young professional or family, the city of Gijón is a thriving community that considers culture important and the city oozes with historic architecture and tradition.

Living along the Costa Verde is affordable, prices for things are 21 percent lower than in Madrid. Most properties to rent and buy are 39 percent cheaper than in the capital. English speaking jobs are hard to find, and a good level of Spanish would be key to living a good life here and will help families absorb the culture better.

Any expat calling Costa Verde home has these things to look forward to:

Exploring the exquisite Botanical Gardens in Gijón

Marvelling at the largest building in Spain, the Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura in Gijón

Being inspired by the splendid views of Lake Covadonga in Congas de Onis

Entering the awesome caves of Cuevona that lead you directly to a wonderful restaurant in La Solana

So there you have it, an exhaustive and complete list of all the popular Costas that you can find around Spain. Did one jump out at you as a great place to live or are you still deciding between a couple of destinations? Whichever the answer, we’d love to know!

Get in touch today and we can offer you advice and guidance on how to move to your chosen Costa, help you decide between your choices if you can’t quite choose, and we can also offer guidance on becoming an expat and provide a free quote for your removal from the UK to the Spanish Costas.

Don’t get bogged down with your expat adventure! Indalo Transport are here to help, and not just with your removals from the UK to Spain.

Moving, it’s often deemed quite stressful. And moving abroad? Phewee, most people think that they need a long holiday after just considering moving to another country!

Many websites like to make light of the “epic fails” of a move that’s gone badly wrong, to teach families what to avoid when preparing to relocate. It’s sometimes tragic to read the ones which tug on your heart strings because nice people have gotten themselves into bother.

But we here at Indalo Transport are providing a practical solution!

As experts in the removals industry, and as a team made up of expats, we know a LOT about moving, not just from helping others relocate, but from personal experience too. People wanting to move home or become expats don’t want horror stories about moves which have gone wrong, what they need at a time like this is, drum roll, please … a Checklist!

Now it may not come across as a glamorous solution, and we’ll admit it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles on it you’d expect from a 21st-century recommendation, but this humble list will work wonders for your move, just like Bob Geldof at a Live Aid concert.

(All links in this article open in a new tab of your browser, so you don’t lose your place!)

Indalo Transport’s Indispensable Free Moving Checklist

Please note: Checklist cannot sing, but it can help make your move run as smooth as silk!

Our handy checklist covers every possible angle of making your move the dream it should be, rather than the nightmare it could be.

After you’ve used our checklist and the last box is ticked, we promise that you’ll feel relieved, happy and excited about stepping onto the plane, or driving onto the ferry to start your new life abroad.

Below you’ll find that we’ve highlighted and gone into more detail about some of the things which we consider very important when planning a move.

Obviously, we believe that one of the most important things to get right is choosing the right removal company – and we are a bit biased for obvious reasons! Read on for other important things to consider.

Plan how you’re going to settle into your new home

It may sound strange thinking about this now, but it’s worth asking yourself “How am I going to bring a sense of normality back to my life in the initial days and weeks after I’ve moved?”

This step is crucial for those becoming expats because, asking this now when you’ve got the time to answer it, means you can research your new town/city, start learning or boning up on the local language and picking up tips from other expats about how to adjust to the new and exciting local culture.

You’ll know when you’ve truly started your expat adventure once you’ve joined a facebook group or expat forum, downloaded a language app to listen to whilst you’re cooking dinner, or you’ve realised that hours have gone by whilst you were perusing the internet for blog posts in the hopes that one of them will reveal a new thrilling secret of your new hometown.

This feeling can be quite contagious and it’s a great thing to do as a family, so if you have them, get the kids involved in the planning too.

There are two certainties in life …

And yes, tax is one of them! It’s very important that you notify the tax authorities, i.e. HMRC, that you’re planning to relocate abroad. If you don’t contact them, you may have to pay additional taxes which, as an expat, you’d be exempt from otherwise.

So don’t waste money, use the government’s handy online service, or alternatively pick up a P85 form from your local Post Office and complete the required information. Don’t miss out on your tax relief!

Make sure you and all members of your family have their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

Don’t visit any EU country without one of these – click to find out more!

European countries require their citizens to purchase health insurance, so it’s always worth applying for a free EHIC to assist you with reduced health care costs once you’ve become an expat. This is only a short-term measure, though, you will need to take out proper insurance once you’ve settled. Especially as it not be valid after December 31st 2020, at the end of the transition period.

Driving in a European Country

Don’t leave home without these things.

If you’re planning to pack your bags into your car, hop on a ferry and drive to meet your belongings at your new home, it’s always worth finding out what the local driving laws are for each country you drive through. Most European countries require you to have the following items in your car at all times:

GB Sticker on the bumper/back of your car (now needed even if car’s number plate has the GB flag on it)

2 Safety Warning Triangles

High Visibility Jacket (must be kept in the car, not the boot)

2 Breathalyzer Kits – for France only

First Aid Kit

Headlamp Adjusters (some newer models of car can be adjusted so their headlamps don’t shine in the faces of European drivers, others you can buy special headlamp stickers which reflect the light away)

For more information, the AA has come up with a very handy, country by country guide.

Setting up an International Bank Account

It’s always worth leaving your UK bank account open, just in case you ever need to return to the country. And you can also use it if you want to buy things in the UK and get them delivered to you in Spain with our depot delivery service.

However, using your UK account to conduct money transfers and currency exchanges in your new home abroad isn’t really a viable option, and the charges can be horrendous!

Instead, we highly recommend that, before you move, you open an International bank account either online or at your local branch. Most UK banks have these types of accounts available and can easily switch or upgrade you to the benefits of having an IBA. Stay tuned because, in the coming weeks, we’ll be rounding up a list of the top International bank accounts an expat has to choose from right now.

It can also be a good idea to consider opening a bank account in the country where you are going to live, as this is a good way to take care of any regular payments you’ll need to make in your new country.

To do this, once you move, choose a local bank in the following way :- visit a few and ask some questions, in English, about their services. Open an account with the one where you get the most helpful replies, oh and don’t pay too much attention to the bank charges – in Spain, every bank has a quarterly charge just to have an account!

So there you have it, a handy checklist which you can print off and keep in your moving binder, and some very useful information on driving abroad, how to get a health card which you’re entitled to claim for free, and some info on dealing with finances as an expat.

If you have any other questions about moving, or if you’d like to get a quote for your removals to Spain from the UK, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d love to hear from you.

The beautiful mountains overlooking the lively coastal town of Marbella – Click for Map Guide

You may be wondering what life would be like if you took the plunge and moved to the dazzling, vibrant town of Marbella, and you’ve found this page during your quest to finding out whether Marbella is the perfect place for you to become an expat or not.

You may even already live in this exquisite coastal town and are perusing the internet to discover new and interesting things to see and do there.

Well, whichever kind of visitor you are, we’re glad you stumbled upon us, because we have great news for you!

Our handy little guide, part of our series of guides about the villages, towns, cities, provinces and regions of Spain, will reveal a copious amount of indispensable information that any person, considering moving to Marbella, needs to know about. Also, we’ll let you in on a few, hitherto secret, hidden gems of the town, and ones which you should definitely go out and visit.

(All links in this article open in a new tab of your browser, so you don’t lose your place!)

Where is Marbella?

Marbella is an incredibly popular destination for countless British expats, and the bustling town is located in the province of Malaga, in the Andalucia region of Spain.

Marbella is just one of the amazing destinations expats can find along the world-famous Costa Del Sol.

Click on the Photo above to open up a google map guide to pinpoint Marbella (Just so you know, all links on this page open in a new tab on your browser)

How can I get there?

By air, there is the option to go to Malaga Costa Del Sol Airport, or Gibraltar International Airport, both less than an hour away from Marbella.

Most airports within the UK offer affordable, direct flights to Malaga, and you can get there in less than three hours. Check out Cheap Flights to get more information on prices, airport locations, and great deals.

By car, you can drive onto a ferry in Portsmouth or Plymouth, arrive in Bilbao, and then drive down to Marbella, which should take you no more than about 10 hours. Visit Brittany Ferries to book your tickets.

If you are relocating and require a removal to Marbella from the UK, then please don’t hesitate to contact us, as we specialise in removals from the UK to Spain.

Why choose Marbella?

Marbella Video – (3mins 50secs)

If you’re looking to experience sun-drenched, pristine white beaches, vivid culture, excitement and opulence every day, Marbella is the place for you.

It’s a truly irresistible town, permeated by Roman and Moorish history and it has an array of rich cultures.

Opposites attract here, as the six different districts are a rich melting pot of ethnologies, where Spanish heritage, tradition, and folklore mix with lively modernity, luxurious living and an alluring buen estar.

In Marbella, not only can you experience the delights of a traditional, laid-back Spanish lifestyle, with its charming history & delicious local meals. At the same time you can also experience sumptuous delights from prestigious boutiques, and enjoy haute cuisine in Michelin star restaurants, like Dani Garcia’s Calima where elegant and complex foods are served up in a secluded, subtropical garden.

The Eastern sector of Marbella, which stretches from Rio Real to Puerto de Cabopino, is less urbanized and is blessed with pristine white beaches, an enchanting marina, and a number of traditional Spanish bars and cafés.

Marbella Old Town has a unique, rustic and colourful charm, its ambience is truly special. This is the place to go if you want to immerse yourself in the distinctive Andalusian character.

Beautiful, colourful, inspirational – all words to describe the charming district of Old Town

From Ricardo Soriano to the entrance of Puerto Banús, you’ll discover The Golden Mile, and as its name suggests you’ll find that luxury abounds here, with its endless upscale boutiques, and exorbitant nightclubs, like the well known Olivia Valere.

Famous families and European aristocracy built their summer homes here, and it’s not hard to see why.

The Saudi Arabian Royal Family have even built a palace here, an exact replica of the White House.

It’s even rumoured that Salvador Dali would eat out all along the Golden Mile, eating and drinking with his friends, amassing large bills. When it came to paying, Dali would sketch a beautiful drawing on the back of his cheque, knowing full well that the owners of these exquisite Spanish restaurants would never cash them in!

The Nueva Andalucia district, the most residential part of the area, is known as Valle del Golf for a reason; it’s a haven for the golfing enthusiast.

The sector of San Pedro de Alcantara has a small town charm, but it’s one of the areas of Marbella which has seen the greatest growth and changes in the past six decades.

Guadalmina, the final area of Marbella, is another haven for golfers and is dotted with amazing Roman architecture.

History

Marbella has been shaped by centuries of rich history, and countless cultures have left their mark all across this marvellous municipality.

Muslims, Romans, Christians, and modernity, have all played their part in making Marbella the place it is today. It wasn’t until very recently, 1960 in fact, that Marbella began to transform itself into one of the top five-star tourist destinations in the whole of Europe.

Architecture

Marbella showcases an incredible mix of architecture, and it has a combination of Renaissance, Baroque, Gothic and Moorish styles.

The theme for Marbella, if it had one, would certainly be history, urbanity, simplicity and style.

When exploring the colourful Old Town quarter, the whitewashed houses sparkle in the sun, highlighting the charming Plaza de los Naranjos, The Orange Square, which is blessed to have three historic buildings around it, the Town Hall; the Church of St. Mary, and the Governor’s House.

Intrepid expats can also discover the authentic and beautiful Roman bridge, the Marbella Puente, near the elegant Roberto Hotel. There’s also the awe-inspiring architecture of the Las Bóvedas Roman baths to discover, the old castle walls, an exquisite 16th-century church, Iglesia Mayor de la Encarnación, Alcazaba, the ruins of a Moorish castle, the Bull Ring, or the Mezquita del Rey Abdul Aziz Saud Mosque.

Culture and Lifestyle

No-one is deemed ‘a foreigner’ in Marbella as it’s one of the most cosmopolitan and cultured places in Europe.

For art aficionados, there are many wonderful art and history museums to visit, such as the Museo Del Grabado, the engraving museum.

There’s the absolutely stunning Avenue del Mar to walk down, which is dotted with jaw-dropping Dali Statues. There are cinemas to attend, moving musical concerts to hear, and nature in all its glory to behold, like at the breathtakingly beautiful, Paseo del Alameda, an elegant 18th-century park.

Since the tourism boom in the late 20th century, Marbella has become a marriage of the old and the modern. There is a cornucopia of beautiful foods to try, delicious drinks to savour, phenomenal festivities to get involved in, and a bustling night-life to enjoy.

During the day, there is always something to do and something to see, as Marbella really is a bustling place. However, Spanish traditions are strictly adhered to, and life slows down during siesta times and at the weekend.

The local people of Marbella are relaxed, but they sure know how to have a good time. They’re down-to-earth, hard-working, honest people who are both proud and mindful of their origins and heritage.

Festivals

The are countless fiestas and celebrations to witness in Marbella, and among them, the following deserve special mention.

San Pedro de Alcantara Fesitavl Video – (9mins 16secs)

In May expats can witness the exciting Cruz de Juanar and in June they can celebrate the Patron Saint, San Bernabé. In July, the dramatic and vibrant tradition of the Virgen del Carmen procession takes place, and in October, expats can join in a typical Andalusian affair, the San Pedro de Alcántara festival, renowned for its colour and folklore.

Cost of Living and Quality of Life

The cost of living in the province of Malaga is 13.6 percent lower than it is in Spain’s capital, Madrid, so your money will stretch a lot further in Marbella.

Well, it’s not strictly true, as that actually depends where you live and how extravagant you are! A three bedroom apartment in the most sought-after places of Marbella, along the Golden Mile, for example, can cost you around €1200 to rent, per month.

In the more quieter areas of Marbella though, like the Eastern sector, or Old Town, you can get a lovely one or two-bed apartment for less than €500 per month.

A cinema ticket will cost you about €8, a gym membership will be around €60, a bus ticket costs less than €2, and a pint of milk; 1kg of potatoes, 1kg of rice, and a local beer will all cost you less than €1.

If you’re looking for a gastronomic delight, a three-course meal will set you back about €30 per person. But again, this is dependant on where you decide to eat, as you can easily build up a very expensive restaurant bill of over €200 in the most expensive parts of Marbella. But if you’re just grabbing a lunchtime bite to eat, check out The Menu of the Day at cafes dotted around The Old Town, & you’re bound to get something tasty for less than €5.

Public Transport

Local buses operate in Marbella on a route from La Cañada Shopping Center, to El Ángel, via the Hipercor in Puerto Banús. A timetable can be viewed here. It costs €1.16 for a single journey and tickets can be purchased directly from the bus driver. A monthly card is also available priced at €36 per month for unlimited travel on the Servicio de Transporte Urbano de Marbella buses.

And the best part? Nearly everyone in Marbella speaks some level of English, so getting directions and finding what you need won’t be a daunting task.

Finding a Job

The British expat in Marbella won’t find it difficult at all to get a job, particularly if they have experience in the tourism industry, can teach English, have worked in Security, are an au-pair, or have Sales, IT or Construction experience.

Two invaluable job sites can be found at Think Spain, or The Local. For those who can commute, the city of Malaga is less than 50 minutes away.

The Weather

Marbella experiences hot summers and it’s possible to sunbathe almost every day from June until September with little or no rain. Daily highs can reach 35 degrees centigrade, and nights can get as low as 15 degrees. If you like to keep an eye on the weather, you can do so here.

Things to see, and things to do

In Marbella you can bathe on pristine white beaches, play golf, go sailing, shop ’til you drop, and eat gastronomic delights ’til you’re fit to burst. If you’re an adventurous person who loves nature, you should definitely take a Monte Aventura Andalucia Ecotour through the staggeringly awesome Andalucian countryside. You know you won’t miss out on anything because this tour has been given the Certificate of Excellence on Trip Advisor.

For anyone over 18 years old with a full drivers’ licence, and who sometimes secretly pretends they’re on Top Gear, you can jump in a go kart and take a 40-kilometer scenic tour with Kart4Fun.

For those who prefer to take things a bit slower, you should take an interesting Marbella Segway tour, or visit the wonderful Marbella Food Market.

Or you can see how the other half live, and go spotting supercars down near the marina.

Food and Drink

The traditional food of Marbella is Andalucian. The types of traditional dishes you’ll find here, like Salmorejo (tomato soup usually served with a boiled egg and ham), and Pringa (a slow-cooked stew, have been passed down from generation to generation.

Being a coastal town, fish and seafood plays an essential part in the food there. However, at every corner of Marbella you’ll find some of the most amazing restaurants to eat at. You can even get a taste of history, by ordering traditional Spanish tapas at El Estrecho, which opened back in 1954. For a recent list of the greatest restaurants in Marbella today, check out The Culture Trip’s restaurant reviews.

Other useful information

We really hope our handy guide has been helpful. Either you’ve learned something new about this wonderful place, or it’s helped you make your decision and you’re thinking of moving there. If that’s the case, please don’t hesitate to contact us now, for help and advice on your removals from the UK to Marbella, or anything else about becoming an expat in Spain. If we don’t know the answer to your question, we can point you in the right direction to get one!

There are many reasons why you’ll love Spain as an expat. There’s the gloriously warm, sunny weather, life, in general, seems to run at a much slower pace than in the UK, and the country’s natural beauty is the most varied and awe-inspiring in the whole of Europe, maybe even the whole world!

But one gem of its crown, and one that a lot of people overlook, is its food. With so many culinary traditions, a variety of local gastronomic delicacies, and an abundance of talented chefs, it’s no surprise that Spain is a haven for foodies – the place is a food and drink paradise!

Because each region boasts its own exclusive flavours and specialities, you could say that Spanish food is as diverse and as spectacular as the landscape itself. Where ever you go in Spain, you’re rarely far from a hearty meal, and the beauty of an authentic Spanish dish lies in the use of fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques.

The Mediterranean diet might not be the most elegant, but its colour and fusion of incredible tastes make it one of the best in the world.

If you’ve only just decided to become an expat, or if you’ve found your new home but don’t know much about the region you’re moving to, we’ve compiled a list of the types of foods you’d expect to find in each region.

So, as well as getting excited about the usual Spanish things, like the amazing festivals, glorious weather, numerous and wondrous things to do, and interesting things to see, you can now get super excited about the splendid food too.

As you read through the rest of this post, please be careful not to drool on your computer!

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Galacia Region – A haven if you love shellfish and seafood

Gastronomy is one of Galacia’s main attractions, and the importance of food is celebrated in more than 300 food festivals throughout the year. Local produce, especially that of the sea, are cooked in simple, traditional ways.

Because Galacia’s stunning coastline stretches for over 800 miles, it is a region that lives from the sea, therefore seafood makes up a high proportion of ingredients.

This diet, known as the Atlantic diet, makes for excellent, nutritional meals, and has excellent health-related qualities. In fact, Galacians are among the most long-lived peoples of Spain, with much lower rates of cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.

One of the advantages of this type of diet lies in the variety of fish on offer, as fish are filled with Omega 3 acids, high-quality proteins, vitamins and minerals, to help keep you fit and healthy. Combined with simple culinary techniques, the Galacians enjoy some of the healthiest foods around.

But don’t worry, it’s not all fish, fish, fish! The Galacians’ favourite meat is veal, and they also enjoy capons (free range chickens), and kid (sorry to say that this is a baby goat).

The Galacians also grow a wide range of vegetables, including the potato, grelos (a type of cabbage), corn, nuts, mushrooms, beets and beans.

Asturias Region – The place to go if you love rich cheese and dry cider

Asturias cider, Fabada Asturiana, Valdeon blue cheese

Asturian cuisine can be defined as ‘slow cooked over a low heat’, so imagine stews, soups and bisques. Asturians don’t use many spices or other condiments in their dishes, as they prefer the natural flavours of their ingredients.

The most famous delicacy of the region they call “Green Spain”, is cheese, and the area produces at least 30 different types, including a three-milk cheese made from cow, sheep and goats milk. Because Asturias is a coastal area, much like Galacia, seafood is also very popular too – in particular the local trout and wild salmon.

Alcohol is used a lot in much of Asturias cooking, and they especially like cider. Like its variety of cheeses, Asturias boasts being able to grow over 30 varieties of apple, and their cider is every bit as tasty as ones served in Normandy.

A typical dish is a platter of local ham, sausage, cheese, and bread, accompanied by a large cider. Another popular main course is hake or salmon in cider, the famous Fabada Asturiana bean stew, or huge slabs of Valdeon blue cheese.

Cantabria Region – A retreat when you’re in need of home cooked, comfort foods

Rabasare, Cocido Montanes, Cocido Lebaniego, and Sobao

The Cantabrians absolutely adore food, and it’s food as far removed from nouvelle cuisine as you could possibly imagine.

Hearty dishes, traditionally made, are what you’ll find in Cantabria. Dishes are rich, mouthwatering and made from comfort food that’s hearty and warming. Another way to raise your body temperature is in the form of a herbal tea the Cantabrians serve with Orujo liqueur.

Because the region has access to such bountiful rural and maritime ingredients, seafood, meat and cheeses make up the main part of the Cantabrian diet, so think high-quality game, such as deer and wild boar, anchovies, lobster, and squid.

The most favourite of traditional dishes are Cocido Montanes (a stew made from pork, beans and collared greens), Cocido Lebaniego (made from chickpeas, potatoes, cabbage and pork or beef) and Sobao (a butter sponge cake made with lemon zest and rum).

Basque Country – A foodie’s paradise for Michelin Star food

Sauteed Elvers, Marmitako, Piperade, and Gateau Basque

The Basques aren’t just passionate about politics and sport, they’re also zealous about food.

In the seventies, a group of young Basque chefs, inspired by French cuisine, created New Basque Cuisine, a range of truly exquisite dishes that have become famous worldwide, and are synonymous with quality.

In fact, there are nearly 40 Michelin-starred restaurants in the Basque region, and there are ever increasing numbers of popular Gastronomic Societies to join, so you can experience and learn, first-hand, about authentic local culinary traditions.

No wonder then that the Basque region is known as the culinary capital of Spain, and the city of San Sebastián has more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere else on Earth.

Seafood is a staple, as the Bay of Biscay and the mountain streams supply ample amounts of fresh ingredients, including oysters, eels, and salmon. Meat is also popular, particularly wood pigeon.

The food in La Rioja is based on the Riojans’ agricultural heritage. Delicious fruits that are full of flavour and heavenly vegetables grow in abundance here.

In particular, the people of La Rioja enjoy using fresh red bell peppers, fava beans, artichokes, asparagus, chard, and lettuce in their dishes. Peaches and pears are enjoyed too, and you’ll find that grapes are turned into beautiful, full-bodied red wines, and sloe berries are turned into Patxaran, a tasty form of sloe gin.

But don’t fret if you’re not a vegetarian and you prefer your meats to greens! The Muslim presence in La Rioja has left its mark, so the Riojans have a great taste for lamb, in particular, Lechal (suckling lamb), or Chuletas Riojana (grilled lamb chops over vine cuttings).

Favourite dishes include Piquillo Peppers stuffed with lamb, dipped in batter and fried, Esparragos Blancos (white asparagus), and Patatas a la Riojana, (potatoes roasted in smoky paprika and served with chorizo).

Trucha a la Navarre, Cogollos de Tudela, Esofado de Toro, Menestra de Verduras

The geography of the Navarre region is so diverse that its local gastronomy has become incredibly varied too.

Dishes are always created from fresh, local produce, and food is celebrated throughout the year at gastronomic events; a multitude of themed days which pay homage to traditional dishes of the regions, and conferences and workshops which teach people all about authentic Navarre cuisine.

The people of Navarre enjoy rich dairy products, spectacular game and lamb dishes, and tasty organic vegetables. They also take pleasure in sipping on the region’s beautiful rosé wines.

Navarre’s most imaginative and exclusive creations can be found in its capital, Pamplona, and popular dishes include Menestra de Verduras (sauteed vegetables), Trucha a la Navarre (a mild fish stuffed with him and fried in breadcrumbs), Estofado de Toro (bull stew served with potatoes), Chistorra (fried sausage served with a fried egg and potatoes), and Cogollos de Tudela (a salad served with salmon).

Castile-Leon Region – Ideal for meat lovers, and anyone with a sweet tooth

Sopa de Ajo, Tostón Asado, Hornazo, Yemas de Santa Teresa

Enjoying food in this region has almost reached a cult-like status, as food in Castile-Leon is perpetually raved about, and visitors can witness countless food conferences or age-old rituals of home butchering, matanza.

Culinary delights are incredibly important in this region, and chefs always prepare their dishes with the utmost of care. Castile-Leon is nicknamed Land of the Roasts, and the people there adore game, including hare and rabbit, lamb, partridge, pork and trout. They also have a huge sweet tooth – there’s always room for dessert in Castile-Leon.

Catalonia Region – The only place to be if you’re a carnivore

There is so much more to this region’s food than paellas and chorizo. In fact, it has a reputation for producing some of Spain’s finest cuisine, created by incredibly passionate chefs.

The foods they produce are gastronomically distinct from anywhere else in the country, and like many other regions, all the ingredients are harvested from a diverse geographical landscape.

There’s seafood, meat, poultry, game, fruit and vegetables to enjoy, and a good way to try a cornucopia of delectable delicacies is to order a mar i muntanya, a local surf ‘n’ turf, though it literally translates to Sea and Mountain!

If you want to eat like a local in Catalonia, you should try Fideuá (much like seafood paella, but made with noodles instead of rice), Escalivada (smoky grilled vegetables), Canelons d’ánec (duck cannelloni), Faves a la Catalana (fava bean, blood pudding and sausage stew), Fricandó (veal cooked in a rich sauce made with mushrooms), and Bacallá amb Samfaina (the Catalan version of ratatouille made with salted cod).

Aragon Region – The ideal place if you’ve got a sweet tooth and you adore wholesome cooking

Aragon is sometimes referred to as a region of Spain where the cooking is plain, but what you really get is honest, wholesome, hearty food, which is filling, warming, and has been inspired by French cuisine.

As it’s a region that borders France, game is very popular, as is ham, snails and mushrooms. The food is quite classical, and dishes are based on popular stews. The people of Aragon don’t just wolf down on meat though, they have a sweet tooth too, and the area is famous for its candied fruits, Frutas de Aragon.

Valencian Community – For those who enjoy rice dishes, and like frequenting bakeries

Horchata de Chufa, All i Pebre, Paella Valenciana, Arnadí, and Bunyols

Valencia is extremely proud of its gastronomic delights, and its claim to fame is paella. With access to La Huerta, the most fertile greenbelt in all of Spain, as well as the ocean, it’s no wonder that Valencia is king of making incredibly tasty and diverse rice dishes from land and sea, because there is an abundance of fresh and flavourful ingredients to harvest.

What you might not know is Valencia is a land of tasty sweet treats and bakery products too. You’ll find toasted breads, Valencian donuts, and coconut cakes, just to name a few. Another claim to fame that Valencia has are its traditional soft drinks, such as Horchata de Chufa, tiger nut milk, and organic orange juice mixed with Cava.

Local dishes well worth a try are All i Pebre (a stew made from garlic and eels), Paella Valenciana (typically made with rabbit), Olleta (pork stew), Arrós a Banda (rice and fish), Arnadí (golden cakes decorated with almonds or sugar), Mona de Pascua (a round tart), and Bunyols (fritters).

The region of Murcia serves up delicious and traditional Spanish foods, which have a taste and character all of their own.

Murcia is often referred to as Europe’s Vegetable Garden, and so, as you can imagine, vegetables and rice are the staple ingredient in any dish. Therefore it’s a wonderful place for vegetarians to visit.

Tapas are widely available across all of Spain, and they can get quite humdrum, but not in Murcia. It serves the most delectable snack foods around, including delicious Ensalada Rusa (tuna, potatoes and crispy vegetables mixed with mayonnaise), Cazo (little goujons of Arab-spiced hake), and fried quails’ egg canapes.

Andalucia Region – The best region for foodies who love to experience a melting pot of different dishes, which are just like Grandma used to make

Eating well is never ever an issue in Andalucia. Thanks to excellent local products, and a heritage of varied, rich and incomparable gastronomical delights, Andalucian cooking is traditional, and disparate, and dishes have been passed down from generation to generation.

The healthy Mediterranean diet and wonderful Anadalucian wines have been influenced throughout history by the Moors, Greeks, Carthaginians and the Visigoths.

Extremadura Region – Perfect for people seeking traditional, and simple food, with a bit of added spice

Extremadura has a long-standing tradition of producing high-quality meats and dairy products. The meticulous care taken in feeding animals has given rise to outstanding quality pork products, in particular, the famous Ibérico ham, chorizo and Morcilla (black sausage).

This region is also known for its superb cheeses, such as Torta del Casar and Ibores. Paprika is grown widely across this region, which adds a warming touch to most dishes.

Because food here is considered so important, and as something to enjoy with friends, Extremadura is one of only three areas in Spain where you can get served tapas for free virtually everywhere. It’s a great way to sample the traditional delights of this region.

Madrid Region – The best place to try absolutely everything, from nueva cuisine to regional Spanish dishes

Food is taken extremely seriously in the region of Madrid, and it is strongly linked to social entertainment.

Madrid accepts all types of influences when it comes to food, and whilst it does have what it calls its own authentic dishes, they do not actually originate from this area. But don’t worry, authentic food is still plentiful, it just comes from other regions!

With one bar or restaurant for every 192 residents of Madrid, it’s no wonder that this city holds a treasure trove of possibilities for trying delicious food. Every region’s tastes are represented in restaurants here, so even though it can’t really produce traditional dishes of its own, you won’t miss out on all the authentic Spanish tastes and flavours.

The cuisine of this region can be classed as hearty and traditional, dishes are prepared using elementary ingredients such as bread, meat, cheese and wine, all of which, through their fabulous flavours, will transport you back to the era of Don Quixote.

Livestock in Castile-La Mancha focuses on pigs, but wild boar, stag, and rabbit are still enjoyed, as are a variety of poultry, and ewes milk is used to make the famous Manchego Cheese.

Castile-La Mancha is home to some of the world’s largest vineyards, and they produce some of the most delectable wines in Spain.

There are plenty of tasty foods you can eat, when you’re not sipping on wine or nibbling at cheese. Some great examples of local Castile-La Mancha food include Atascaburras (a cod and potato paste), Carcamusa (pork, vegetables and tomatoes stewed together), Gachas (a broth cooked with flour made from grass peas), and Gazpacho (cold vegetable soup).

The Balearic Islands – The absolute best place to experience authentic meals once considered as being poor man’s food

Frit Mallorqui, Sofrit Pagés, Tonyina a l’eivissenca, and Ray Borrida

Dishes of the day on the Balearic Islands are often made up from what people can buy from the market that day, and local people have always known how to make the most out of what they had.

But this hasn’t stopped the gastronomy from Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera from being delectable and pleasurable. The cuisine has been shaped by the many cultures which have passed through the archipelago over the years.

Most of the dishes are based on seafood – two types you can enjoy, which you can’t get anywhere else, are the Mallorquin shrimp, and the Menorquin lobster.

Almond blossoms, native to the Balearic Islands, are an essential ingredient in traditional cooking, and so is mayonnaise – after all, it was invented there!

The Canary Islands – Ideal for the adventorous foodie, a sea of flavours from simple cooking that combines traditional Spanish dishes with African and Latin-American influences

Potaje de Berros, Sancocho Canario, Papas Arrugadas, and Beinmesabe

Gastronomy on the Canary Islands is phenomenal – the key to the great food is simplicity. Dishes are so simple that one of the main ingredients found in most of its dishes is gofio, roasted maize or wheat meal.

The Canary Islands are famous for their mojos, they’re two different types of sauces, and they’re used extensively throughout the islands’ cuisine. The first is mojo picon, made from pepper, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt and paprika, and the second, mojo verde is based on parsley and coriander.

The basis of the local delicacies are a variety of vegetables, fruits and fish. You’ll find that most meat, which comes in the form of stew or steaks, are imported from mainland Spain or South America. However, thanks to Gran Canaria’s amazing climate, local markets can offer an abundance of seasonal ingredients, such as chorizo, goat’s cheese, and honey.

Hopefully, our guide to Spanish food has sufficiently whet your appetite, and your computer is free from drool! If our guide has also helped you decide on which region you’d like to live in, based on the cuisine, then don’t hesitate to contact us, and we can help transport your treasured belongings from the UK to Spain, quickly and efficiently, so that you can start enjoying these tasty treats in no time flat!

Moving – It’s not as stressful as we all might make it out to be!So long as you choose a removal firm that are members of the Trading Standard’s ‘Buy With Confidence’ Scheme

“Change is as good as a rest”, they say, and there’s no bigger change than moving house.

But sometimes, when you’re in the middle of relocating and you find yourself awash in a sea of bubble wrap, living out of cardboard boxes and wondering where you left the box tape, the last thing that you’ll ever agree on, with anyone, is “Yep, this whole moving malarkey is definitely as good as a rest”!

Yes, moving can be stressful – in fact, it’s one of the most stressful events in modern adult life. Still, countless families do it every day, and why? Because (a) they wouldn’t go through with the move if the change wasn’t worth it (and by the way, it’s always worth it) and (b), when searching for a highly recommended and trustworthy removals company they discovered that Indalo Transport is a member of the Trading Standard’s ‘Buy With Confidence’ Scheme.

If at this point you’re about to combust with excitement at being able to hire a Trading Standards approved removals firm in just one simple step and wish to be whisked away to starting the process of booking your removals to Spain from the UK, then 1-click here!

If you’d like to find out more about what the Trading Standard’s ‘Buy With Confidence’ Scheme is, and if you’d like to learn exactly how you can Buy With Confidence through Indalo Transport, then read on!

Who are Trading Standards?

Trading Standards are an Institute of professionals who work with our local Councils. They act on behalf of all of us, as consumers and businesses.

They advise and enforce laws that govern the way we buy, sell, rent and hire goods and services. Basically, the guys and gals at Trading Standards make sure that rogue traders and scammers can’t get away with ripping people off anymore.

Consider them the Sheriffs of the business world, these knowledgeable professionals who always keep an eye out for consumers, making sure that they get the high-quality products and services they deserve, from credible, hard-working companies.

If a customer ever has a complaint about a business, it’s the Trading Standards people they should go to for help and advice.

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What is their ‘Buy With Confidence’ Scheme and Where Can I Find the Website?

The Trading Standard’s ‘Buy With Confidence’ Scheme for Approved Businesses was created nearly two decades ago with the aim to help consumers find reputable and responsible companies in all types of trades and services.

It was designed to combat the rise in cowboy tradesmen looking to rip-off unsuspecting people, so the Scheme really is a great way to guarantee reassurance and peace of mind.

Any business that you find within the ‘Buy With Confidence’ Scheme, whether it’s a removals firm or accountants, will be the very best of the best.

It really is the one-click, sure-fire way of taking the guesswork out of finding a great business who are dependable, who only supply high-quality goods or services, and who provide outstanding levels of customer service.

You should feel confident that any firm you find on the Trading Standard’s ‘Buy With Confidence’ website is the real deal.

How do Removals Firms Become a Member of the Scheme?

Any business wanting to be a part of the ‘Buy With Confidence’ Scheme must be prepared to be probed, appraised, scrutinized, and reviewed, and they must undergo a myriad of stringent checks which include audit visits and include criminal background checks made about them and their team.

The series of visits are undertaken, independently, by the local County Council’s Trading Standards Service, and only when a business has passed all of these rather draconian inquiries, can they join the Scheme.

Once a company is approved, Trading Standards continues to monitor their performance through the quality and quantity of customer feedback.

It’s a condition of the Scheme’s membership that these feedback forms are available to all customers, and honest reviews are the things which power the Scheme.

What Are the Risks of Using a Removals Firm Who Aren’t in the Scheme?

If you choose to go with a removals company that isn’t a part of the Trading Standard’s ‘Buy With Confidence’ Scheme, you could be risking, well, everything.

There are countless stories of “White Van Men” who have placed online adverts promising a high-quality removals service at incredibly affordable prices, but once everything is loaded into the van, they drive away, never to be seen again. All the family’s possessions and the money they paid for the service, gone! (here’s one example)

Another potential risk of using a company that isn’t a member of the ‘Buy With Confidence’ Scheme, is not being able to do something if anything goes wrong.

Many removals firms don’t have the correct type of insurance to cover the types of loads they carry, so if they happened to have an accident and all your items got broken, there’s no guarantee that you’d get your money back, nor the money to replace all your lost possessions.

We don’t mean to scare you, heck, we know that there are hazards in absolutely everything, even in our best-laid plans, but by using a removals company who are a member of the Trading Standard’s ‘Buy With Confidence’ Scheme will mean that you really reduce the event of undue risks happening, and cover yourself in the event that anything does.

Are Indalo Transport a Part of The Buy With Confidence Scheme?

Yes, we are! You can rest assured that Indalo Transport is Trading Standard’s Approved, and you can Buy With Confidence through us.

Not only are we members of this exclusive Scheme, which guarantees you’ll receive excellent value for money and customer service that is second to none, we’re also insured through Lloyds of London, so all your items are protected from Door to Door, across Europe.

Does The Buy With Confidence Scheme cover Removals From UK to Spain?

Indalo Transport – The only name you’ll ever need for Removals to Spain from the UK – or even for a removal to the UK from Spain!

Customer Satisfaction is by far the main reason why we keep seeing new and repeat business.

So there you have it, several reasons as to why you really should book a removals firm that are members of the Trading Standard’s ‘Buy With Confidence’ Scheme.

Moving should never be as difficult and as stressful as we all tend to make it out to be, so before you start packing and getting your knickers in a twist, do yourself a favour, just relax!

Browsing the ‘Buy With Confidence’ website for a removals company will give you peace of mind and reassurance from knowing that whoever you choose will provide an excellent service, with care and respect, they’ll come highly recommended from previous customers, and they’ll offer you great value for money.

If you’d like an affordable quote from a family-run, Trading Standard’s Approved removals firm, whose new and repeat business comes from the recommendation of many a satisfied customer, then get in touch with us below.

You could be here, relaxing and admiring the beautiful village of Mojacar, Spain – Click for Map Guide

If you’re an expat already living in the beautiful area of Mojácar, this expat guide, part of our series of guides about the villages, towns, cities, provinces and regions of Spain, will help you settle in to your wonderful new home. And if you’ve already experienced some of its delights, then hopefully this guide will reveal new and interesting things, which you didn’t already know, and which you can go out and discover straight away.

If you’re just window shopping and haven’t made up your mind yet, this guide will provide you with information to help you make that all-important decision of whether Mojácar is the right place for you to move to in Spain.

Hopefully, if you do decide you want to move there, you’ll consider Indalo Transport to help your removal to Mojácar from the UK, run smoothly and with no stress and or fuss.

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Where is Mojácar?

Not to be confused with Majorca, one of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, thе beautiful Mооrіѕh village of Mojácar іѕ located іn thе Almeria rеgіоn of Mainland Spain, on the Eastern coast of the Mediterranean.

How can I get there?

By air, the closest airport is Almeria, which is just over an hour’s drive away.

For an affordable, direct flight, the best destination to travel from is London Gatwick, where you can get to Almeria in less than 3 hours. Check out Skyscanner for information on prices, and other airport locations, notably Murcia, Alicante and even Malaga.

By car, you can hop on to an overnight ferry from Portsmouth or Plymouth, arrive in Bilbao or Santander in Northern Spain, and then drive to your new home, which should take you about 10 hours.

If you are relocating and require removals to Mojácar from the UK, then please don’t hesitate to contact us, as we specialise in removals from the UK to Spain.

Why choose Mojácar?

If you’re looking for a beautiful village, steeped in history, vibrant in culture, and quieter than the Costa Del Sol, then Mojácar is the place for you. With the combination of beach and village, you’ll be getting the best of both worlds.

Once you еntеr thе mаzе of narrow ѕtrееtѕ, еvеrу corner will сарtіvаtе you, revealing the village’s beauty, thе рrіvасу of its раѕt, аnd the most breath-taking hоrіzоnѕ for miles around.

Mojacar Puеblо іѕ undоubtеdlу оnе оf thе most rоmаntіс and рісturеѕԛuе villages іn the whole of Spain, and was voted by the Spanish as one of the prettiest villages in Spain in 2014.

With its whitewashed hоuѕеѕ and cobbled ѕtrееtѕ, реrсhеd оn top of a hіll оvеrlооkіng the Mеdіtеrrаnеаn, іt’ѕ easy to see whу thіѕ unѕроіlt Moorish fоrtrеѕѕ village hаѕ long bееn рорulаr with expats, tourists, аrtіѕtѕ and writers аlіkе.

History

The village of Mojácar, its architecture and culture, has been shaped by its history. At the beginning of the eighth century, its main inhabitants were Muslim.

Interestingly, the Indalo Man, an ancient symbol and good luck charm – and our logo too – was first found in the province of Almeria. The symbol’s rebirth after some 4500 years coincided with the rebirth of Mojácar.

Almeria’s Indalo Man Symbol

After suffering from severe droughts in the middle of the 19th century, Mojácar became a ghost village, most of its inhabitants relocating abroad or to other areas of Spain.

By the beginning of the 20th century, modernity had swept over the sleepy seaside village, and things started to improve. Hotels, complexes, restaurants, cafés and art galleries were built, inspired by the Almerian painter Jesús de Perceval, who founded the Indaliano movement.

Its Mediterranean art helped spread the magic and charm of Mojácar, and the rest of Almeria, across the whole of Spain. At the end of the 1960s, the village was awarded a prize for its embellishment and improvement.

The Indalo Man is a good luck charm after all, so it must mean that if you book your removals from the UK to Spain with us, Indalo Transport, your possessions are going to be in safe hands, and the Indalo Man will protect you and your cargo from evil and bad luck!

Architecture

To really get to know the true Mojácar, and to revel in its rich history, you’ll need to discover all of its awe-inspiring architecture. It’s not all pristine white houses setting off against the brown of the earth, and the azure blue of the sea and sky, you know?

A lаw was passed іn the late 1980s which еnѕurеd thаt the Arab аrсhіtесturе, which creates thе feeling of bеіng on thе African соntіnеnt rather than іn Sоuthеrn Europe, іѕ always рrоtесtеd and enjoyed.

The beach area, Mоjáсаr Plауа, is just a short drive down from the village. It’s a mоdеrn day hоlіdау resort wіth 17 kіlоmеtrеѕ of bеасhеѕ, with some hidden gems, and numerous outstanding rеѕtаurаntѕ, lively bаrѕ and quaint cafés.

Culture and Lifestyle

Since ancient tіmеѕ, disparate реорlеѕ hаvе lіvеd in thіѕ wonderous municipality, and have helped turn Mojácar into a rich melting pot of beautiful foods, delicious drinks, fantastic festivities, and a relaxed way of life.

Artists have been coming here for many years

If you’re the artistic type, it’s good to know that Mоjáсаr has a ‘bon vivant’ lifestyle, as it’s always bееn a haven for artists. In the 1960ѕ, the seaside village became hоmе tо many artisans, раіntеrѕ, photographers, muѕісіаns, wrіtеrѕ and craftsmen. You name it, they came, and they added beauty, diversity and culture to this amazing village.

The Mojaquera people of Mojácar are relaxed, but passionate. Whilst they enjoy mаіntаіnіng thеir ancestral trаdіtіоnѕ thrоughоut the year, by cooking simple, local delicacies, adhering to siestas, and holding inspirational fiestas, thе іntеrеѕtіng mix between trаdіtіоn and mоdеrnіtу makes Mоjáсаr and its people а very open village, wіth many cultural асtіvіties.

Festivals

Mojácar, ԛuіеt аnd relatively саlm most days, bесоmеѕ vеrу lively durіng its fеѕtіvаlѕ, it has over 10 of them to celebrate all throughout the year.

In all of the fiestas, you can witness Mojácar’s past, іtѕ сulturе, аnd thе аrt of іtѕ реорlе shine through. On a special note, eасh June, the spectacular ‘Mооrѕ and Chrіѕtіаnѕ’ Fіеѕtа hоnоurѕ the tоwn’ѕ Arаb ancestry, and is not to be missed.

Moors & Christians 2012 Video (15 minutes)

Cost of Living and Quality of Life

The cost of living in the region of Almeria is 21 percent lower than it is in Spain’s capital, Madrid, so your money will stretch a lot further in Mojácar.

A three bedroom apartment can cost you around €500 to rent, per month, a gym membership will be around €20, a bus ticket costs less than €2, and a pint of milk; 1kg of oranges, a loaf of bread and a lettuce will all cost you less than €1.

If you’re looking for a gastronomic delight, a three-course meal with drink will set you back about €20 per person, but if you’re just grabbing a lunch-time bite to eat, check out the local ‘Menu del Dia’, The Menu of the Day, which you will be able to get for around €8.

Mojácar is certainly the perfect place for the British expat to slow down, unwind and enjoy life.

Public Transport

The local bus service is easy to spot, as the buses are bright yellow. They operate on a circular route of the village and both ends of the beach and have numerous stops. The journey from one end of Mojácar, which starts at the Puerto Marina hotel, takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the other end, at Marina La Torre, and the bus costs €1.20 for any length of journey.

Finding a Job

The British expat in Mojácar won’t find it too hard to get a job, particularly if you have experience working in restaurants, bars or hotels. A great job site can be found at Think Spain. For those who can commute, the city of Almeria is just over an hour away.

The Weather

Mоjáсаr has a very mild climate, it’s winters are cool, and its summers don’t get too hot, like other parts of Spain, in particular, the Costa Del Sol.

July is the hottest month in Mojácar, with daily temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius. The coldest month is January, with lows of 11 degrees, and the wettest month is nearly always November, where you’ll expect to get about 31 millimetres of rainfall.

The best month to go swimming in the sea is in August, where the waters reach about 26 degrees.

Things to see, and things to do

In Mоjáсаr уоu саn play as much ѕроrt as you want, all year-round, and the more adventurous expat can go hіkіng; mountain bіkіng, сусlіng and hоrѕе riding. For those who love the game, gоlf is very popular with four local golf courses.

Food and Drink

Thе variety аnd quality of Mоjáсаr’ѕ сuіѕіnе саn bе еnjоуеd throughout thе уеаr. Products оf thе land and sea are сооkеd simply, and trаdіtіоnаlly, and offer something to be enjoyed and savoured by even thе mоѕt dіѕсеrnіng of раlаtеѕ.

Because Mojácar has such a rich, culinary heritage, the Mojaquera people embrace authentic flavours. The “gurullos” (Spanish pasta), meatball stews, pepper soup, “migas” (a scrambled egg dish), cous-cous and paella are all part of Mojácar’s heritage. For a list of Mojácar’s restaurants and bars, click here.

Other useful information

We really hope our guide has been helpful, and you’ve either learned something new about this marvellous Moorish village, or it’s helped you make your decision and you’re thinking of visiting.

Contact us now for help and advice on your removal to Mojácar, or any aspect of becoming an expat in Spain – we’re here to help. If we don’t know the answer to your question, we can point you in the right direction to get one!

If you’re an expat who has recently arrived in Spain, you’ve relocated at the perfect time!

You’re probably aware at how cultural and lively the Spanish are – they’re world famous for hosting countless colourful celebrations and fun festivities all throughout the year, but things are just starting to kick off now.

To get your first real taste of traditional Spanish fiestas, you should really go out and join in on your local Semana Santa celebrations.

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What is Semana Santa?

Semana Santa, which we know as Easter Week, is the annual commemoration of the Passion of Jesus Christ. A noisy and passionate Catholic religious festival, it sees brotherhoods from churches all over Spain perform processions around their villages, towns and cities, during the last week of Lent.

This year, the festivities run from Palm Sunday, on March 25, to Easter Sunday, on April 1st.

Why is it so special?

Whether you’re religious or not, there’s always something to enjoy when you join in the epic celebrations of Semana Santa, honestly, you won’t come across anything like this anywhere else in the world.

The Nazarenos waiting to leave a church. Robes vary in colour around Spain.

Whilst beautiful and majestic, these celebrations aren’t meant to arouse excitement and entertain people through cheerful music, colour and sparkling lights, they’re meant to instil religious passion, and evoke a sense of wonder, and humbling devoutness.

You’ll find that the air becomes thick with the intoxicating smells of orange blossoms, beeswax and incense, and bustling crowds, dressed up in their finery, may leave you jostling for room, but you’ll watch in amazement as elaborate processions cascade through the winding streets of your new home.

Marching bands play music which will stir your soul, and images of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ will touch your heart. Impressively beautiful floats, depicting scenes from the Bible, add to the splendour, and the eerie costumes of the Nazarenos will transport you back into a strange, archaic and religious world.

Where is the best place to visit to see a truly amazing Semana Santa celebration?

Although the style and mood of Easter Week varies from place to place, either because of the procession’s nature, or the location of the church, the basic components remain the same.

For a more glamorous celebration, the region of Andalucia hosts some breathtaking fiestas, whereas those in Castile-Leon are more solemn; after all, this is a religious holiday.

Here are our Top Three locations to experience a spectacular Semana Santa.

Mojácar, Almeria

Semana Santa Mojacar 2013 – 18m 40s Video

The Easter Week celebrations in Mojácar are exquisite, it’s a place where you can really feel the strong community spirit.

Processions of blacks, dark blues and rich purples are set against the glistening backdrop of Mojácar’s whitewashed houses, and glorious choral singing fills the air.

The celebrations here exude a mournful beauty, but things liven up in the evenings and the small village normally hosts a number of magical events for children to enjoy.

Seville

Semana Santa Seville 2015 – 18m Video

Seville arguably holds some of the most elaborate processions during Easter Week, and it’s at night time when these festivities really come alive here.

Renowned for its unique wooden pasos, these lifelike painted sculptures, weighing more than a metric ton, are carried by a large group of costaleros, men wearing headdresses which resemble sacks, which makes it look like the statues are walking on their own.

The air becomes thick with smoke, and inspiring classical music is played loudly as the processions continue from dusk till dawn. For many in Seville, and across Andalucia, Semana Santa is more than just religious processions, as Easter Week marks the arrival of Spring and many bars and restaurants will host parties, to continue celebrating in their own way.

Zamora, Castile-Leon

Semana Santa Zamora 2015 – 1hr 40m Video

To see an award-winning fiesta, Zamora is the place to go. It’s the oldest celebration of its kind in Spain, and the processions are dark, moody, and sombre.

Candles and incense are replaced with medieval fire torches, and male choirs are used instead of marching bands. To get a real taste of traditional Spain, or to feel like you’ve stepped back in time, you really should spend a day of Easter Week here.

What types of food are available to try during Semana Santa?

Manzanilla, a fine sherry which has a hint of chamomile, torrijas, and pestinos

No celebration is ever complete without indulging in some truly special foods and drinks. Rather than binging on chocolate eggs and sweets, the Spanish prefer puddings and pastries.

It’s always worth asking the locals to point out their favourite Easter Week bakeries because you may have the once-a-year chance to try things most Brits miss out on.

It’s highly recommended to try torrijas, slices of bread dipped in egg, then soaked in wine or milk, before being fried and sweetened with sugar or cinnamon.

Another delectable treat are the pestinos, honey-glazed pastries that have been fried.

A lot of sherry is drunk at this time of year in Spain, particularly in the South, and if you can, the Manzanilla is well worth a glass. It’s a variety of fino sherry that takes its name from its notes of delicate chamomile tea.

Hopefully, this post has inspired you to go out and discover more of your new home’s local heritage and culture, if not for this year, certainly for the next.

If you managed to capture some photos or video footage of your local Semana Santa celebrations, and you fancy sharing them with other expats, please post them to our Facebook page, or pop them in an email to us, and we’ll show them off so that others can enjoy them as much as you did.

If you’re a Brit who has been mulling over whether a move to Spain really is for you, we hope this glimpse into Spanish tradition has persuaded you that the relocation is well worth it.

Remember, it’s not just Semana Santa that Spain is famous for, there’s a whole other variety of festivals to see, including The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, or La Tomatina, The Tomato Throwing Festival, in Bunol, Valencia.

So what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on another, unique and amazingly vibrant Spanish fiesta, book your removals from the UK to Spain with us, now!

So you’ve decided to become an expat, and you’ve opted to move to Portugal. Bravo, what a brilliant choice! This beautiful and exciting country certainly won’t disappoint, particularly if you’re an expat looking to immerse themselves in a truly vibrant culture, and where adventure awaits them every single day.

Portugal has an incredibly rich heritage, and expats can experience it all through a cornucopia of festivals, delectable local cuisines, superb sherries, stunning scenery, and breath-taking architecture. Because the Portuguese are particularly proud of their artistic traditions, you’ll never be far away from seeing something amazing or experiencing something genuinely exciting.

A beautiful panorama of Cascais, Portugal

You’ll find Portugal is a haven for museums, galleries, film and music festivals, all celebrating the vibrancy and colour of Portuguese culture. You’ll get to soak up the drama, and laugh heartily, at Portugal’s traditional Revista, a humorous political satire play. You’ll also be able to marvel at the beautiful sounds of the traditional Fado music genre, and you may find yourself getting ready to dance the passionate Corridinho.

Portugal also offers the sports-loving expat an adventurous retreat to explore. Golfing, hiking, mountain biking, hunting, rambling, horse riding, it’s all here for the fit and healthy Brit to enjoy.

The food in Portugal is simple but full of flavour, and you’ll find that spices and herbs are added to dishes to give them that distinctive Portuguese flair which always delights your taste-buds.

With so much to see and do, Portugal really is a treasure trove of possibilities for the expat looking for a life that’s thrilling.

If you choose to move here, The Douro Valley, which has been described as heaven on earth, will be right on your doorstep. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its vineyards. The Cascais is also found in Portugal, it’s famous because the James Bond film, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, was filmed there.

If you’re still not entirely sure of whether Portugal is right for you, then why not check out our infographic? It’ll show you what to expect from this amazing country, and we’ve also created a little list of just some of the exciting things to do once you get there.

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Things to do in Portugal

Ponte 25 de Abril, Lisbon

Take a private tour of the beautiful religious cities of Fatima, or Virgin Mary.

Discover the village of Monsanto, its cobbled streets, stone houses, pointed castles and wandering shepherds will transport you back in time

Get creative in the town of Funchal, where museums, gardens and art await

If you’re heading to Lisbon and love clubbing, check out Music Box, it’s the most popular destination for a great night out on the town

Indalo Transport’s Top 3 things you need to do to prepare for your move to Portugal

Now, are you sure you’ve packed everything?

Book your removals to Portugal

When you have a moving date, and you’ve gone through all your belongings and worked out what it is you’d like to take with you to Portugal, contact several removals companies for quotes.

After you’ve got your quotes, do a little background research on the firms you’ve contacted, check out their customer reviews to see if they’re really as good as they say they are.

Check to see if the company is fully insured and have a look into whether they offer a packing service or can provide you with advice and guidance on becoming an expat.

Once you’ve taken into consideration all of these things, book with your chosen removals team as soon as possible, to make sure they’re still available to help you move.

Whilst you’re here, why not have a look at the services we offer, and our glowing customer reviews. Maybe we’ll be your first choice of getting your things safely to Portugal from the UK.

Make sure you and your pet have all their documents

Sorry little guy, you’re not allowed in to Portugal, ferrets are banned!

As Britain is a member of the EU, you and your family don’t have to worry about filling in copious amounts of customs paperwork or having to obtain a work permit or visa.

You can enjoy living and working in Portugal for up to three months without having to apply for residency. All you need to hand is your passport, and if you have one, your driving licence.

If you have pets, there are a few things you need to do in order to make their journey, as well as yours, as smooth as possible.

Get your pet microchipped.

After your pet has been chipped, book them in as soon as possible for a rabies vaccination. The reason why you need to do this asap is because you must wait 21 days after it has been done before moving abroad.

Some vets only give one course of vaccinations, but some advise to give two courses, therefore, the sooner it’s done, the sooner you can move.

Ask your vet for a Pet Passport. Just like our passports, this is a little book, complete with photo page to help people identify your pet. It is also a handy record of when your pet will need to get revaccinated for rabies.

Unfortunately, Portugal won’t allow ferrets into the country, they have been banned as domestic pets to avoid cross breeding with the indigenous ferret species.

Research, research and do more research

Get online and start researching all about your new home

If you haven’t already got a place to move to, now is the time to start perusing the internet for your new home

If you don’t have a job to go to, now is the time to start looking for jobs. There are plenty of sites you can visit to start applying

If you’ve got the time, now would be a good idea to start learning a few, simple Portuguese phrases and words.

Did you know that, in 2014, there were around 27 million Brits who enjoyed gardening, and that approximately one third of all UK adults in that year gardened at least once a week?

Looking at these facts then, it’s pretty safe to say then that if you’re moving to Spain from Great Britain, you’re likely to be a green-fingered gardener who wants to know more about the lie of the land in your new country.

Even if you’re not a fully-fledged flower-master, knowing what types of plants, herbs, fruits and vegetables you can grow in Spain might come in quite handy, especially if you like the sound of becoming self-sufficient so that you can live on a varied and healthy Mediterranean diet.

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What type of gardening conditions can I expect in Spain?

Oh no, not the dreaded clay soil! But it’s not as bad as you think!

Now it may worry you to learn that the main soil type in Spain is clay. But whilst clay soil can be a nightmare for UK gardeners because it is so hard to work, (especially with all the wet weather our little island gets), clay soil in Spain actually works quite well!

With the amount of sun throughout the year in Spain (approximately 2700 hours compared to just 1500 hours in the UK), the ground can become quite arid. However, drought is much less damaging on clay soils than any other type, and the clay soil in Spain also doesn’t take as long to warm up as it would do back in the UK, so it’s easier for plants to germinate and grow healthily.

Also, because the rainfall in Spain is just over half of what it is per year than in Britain, (Spain sees roughly 636mm per annum, whereas Blighty gets 1220mm), you don’t have to worry about your garden getting wet, cloggy, and unmanageable.

For some, having an arid garden might not sound appealing, almost boring and drab, but whilst it can be frustrating to maintain an oasis of colour and scent in a place that doesn’t have much rainfall, having a bright, colourful, English country garden in Spain isn’t impossible.

With some hard-work and dedication, your new Spanish garden will flourish.

It’s always colourful in Spain

But I won’t have a garden when I get to Spain, I’ll only have a terrace or balcony…

A beautiful balcony in Albayzin

Don’t fret! Plants can still grow very happily in pots filled with a high quality compost.

So what types of plants, trees and vegetables can I grow in Spain?

Here’s a video slideshow, showcasing just some of the plants that you can grow easily in Spain.

There are no names with each picture, so if you want a quick quiz, see how many you can name!

How can I make sure my Spanish garden will grow well, and stay healthy?

An important ingredient to help your garden grow – collect your own rain water

The most important part of maintaining any Spanish garden is watering. Less frequent, deep soakings are best as this will increase the drought tolerance of your plants.

Because of the weather conditions in Spain, it’s likely that you’ll have to water, on average, twice a week. That’s why it’s a good idea to gather rainwater when you can. It will significantly reduce your water consumption (which is metered in Spain) and you can easily make your own, low-cost, rain barrel out of, well anything!

As long as it holds water and you have a way to screen out the debris and mosquitoes, then you’re all set to capture nature’s H2O. Check out this handy little, step-by-step guide which shows you how you can make your own rain barrel.

Another way to make sure that your Spanish garden flourishes is to improve its soil condition, where you can. You can repair clay soil by using compost, which is readily available in Spain, particularly in the region of Extremadura, where donkeys are still the favoured mode of transport!

Even though, in the short term, it’s a good idea to whip your clay soil into shape by mixing in organic matter regularly and deeply, it’s not a good idea to do this every month because the less you disturb your improved clay soil, the better. That’s because extensive tillage stimulates the microbes deep in the soil, and they begin to devour all the nice, organic matter that are keeping your plants healthy.

To determine whether your clay soil needs an organic boost, roll some of it between your palms into a ball about an inch in diameter. If, when you pinch the soil between your thumb and finger causes the soil to crumble into pieces, you know you can add some more compost.

Along with adding compost, you should also plant ‘cover crops’ in any areas of your garden which would otherwise be left empty. Cover crops help to smother weeds, they reduce erosion and increase infiltration.

When it comes to flower or crop rotations, or if you just fancy a re-arrange, pull out your cover crops, and bob in your new plants. Your new occupants will adore their lovely home, filled with rich, organic matter that’ll help them grow into strong plants or veggies.

“Indalo Transport were amazing. Nothing was too much trouble and we would recommend them completely. They turned up in the UK to collect and delivered in Spain on the dates and times they said they would. Totally trustworthy, it was a big decision to decide who to use but they made the move so much easier.”

Lesley and Keith Moss, 12th March 2020

“Mike Cox and co were great, they could not do enough for us, Paul gave Mike the wrong date but Mick very quickly sorted it out. Not cheap but certainly the best.”

Paul Knight, 19th January 2020

“Only removal company who answered phone during holiday period.” “Great service, great lads. Delighted in every respect.”

Ron and Sheila Hardy, 19th January 2020

“Excellent service by Mick and his team. Everything was packed well in Mojácar and received in UK in excellent condition. Thanks Mick.” “I cannot praise Mick and his team highly enough. So professional from start to finish. If you want a stress free move then they are the team to go to. Thank you again Mick you are a star.”

Survey Feedback December 2019

“A company you can rely on. The team in Mojacar worked tirelessly to pack and prepare our belongings for the initial move, and the Belgian guys who made the delivery in Luxembourg were outstanding. All in all a smooth and economical experience. I would recommend this company to all who require international removal”

John Oughton, 4th November 2019

“Despite several delays with the sale of our property Mick was very patient and from the initial contact to the final delivery couldn’t have been more helpful.”

Bob and Susan Clake, 4th November 2019

“Very good professional service. Very worthy of our trust to care for our treasured possessions.”

David, 8th September 2019

“Fantastic service , very impressed, so easy and we will be using Indalo Transport again…… We loved the website which was easy to navigate and professional. We would definitely use Indalo Transport again and highly recommend to anyone!!”

Kim Metcalfe & Sylvia Wright, 23rd September 2019

“Very helpful and efficient service. Would highly recommend this company as they take away all the stress of moving. A huge thank you to Mick and his team.”

Kerry Myatt, 8th September 2019

“I am very happy with the overall service on a big move Ireland to Spain Indalo Transport made it simple and a huge thank you also to Michael on the Irish side Mick in spain well done to both of you and your crews professional gentlemen”

Colin Bourke, 10th August 2019

“Great service, very professional and made the whole process of shipping furniture to Spain extremely easy and stress free. Very happy to assemble furniture and take cardboard and packaging away too. Would highly recommend.”

Elaine Royle, 7th August 2019

“Mick and his team not only collected and delivered all my worldly goods from West Yorkshire to mojacar exactly on time but did it with a degree of professionalism that is hard to find these days. Nothing was too much trouble and all done with a smile.”

Ivan Morden, 6th August 2019

“I can thoroughly recommend Mick and his team at Indalo Transport for any and all removal services. They are professional yet friendly – lots of banter, quick but very careful. I got the impression that their main objective was to make me happy and to ensure I got complete customer satisfaction….. Mick, Paul and David were bang on time……. They moved two whole house loads from Wales to Mojacar….. They put everything exactly where I wanted and I was delighted with their service. Well done Indalo!

Terri Lyndon 17th June 2019

“David and Mick were amazing, they arrived when they said they would, they packed my things with care and respect and were friendly and professional l. Amazing service, I’m a very happy customer and wouldn’t hesitate to use again or recommend. Well done and many thanks again”

Clare Barber, 6th June 2019

“Used twice now and excellent efficient service both times. Friendly, good communication all through process. I also used packing service which made moving easier and less stressful for me.”

Linda Athersuch, 2nd April 2019

“Incredibly happy with the service we got moving all of our belongings from London to Mojacar Spain, amazed by the Tetris master packing all of stuff in the trailer. Everything was logged as it went in the trailer and ticked off coming out, perfect!”

Terence Knight, 26th March 2019

“Thank you and your team so much for saving us from a nightmare situation. Your team of men were absolutely brilliant, we couldn’t have asked for nicer people to help us move. We are truly grateful for everything you have done, and please pass our thanks again to your team.”

Kevin Lodge, 17th December 2018

“Very professional Business with a personal touch. Everything was perfect from start to finish.”

Trading Standards website feedback January 2019

“Thank you for being so understanding and helpful with our move from Spain to the UK. Your staff in both countries were great.”

Sue and Geoff, 28th January 2019

“What a service, more than pleased, if we had to move again you would be our first choice, although 🤞🏽I hope we don’t need to move again, would recommend to anyone”

Elvet Morgan, 16th January 2019

“This was a very big job with heavy and fragile items travelling 1700 miles. Mick collected from North West England and brought it down to Mojacar. All marble furniture and a massive corner sofa. Everything arrived to our house in Huercal Overa in mint condition and the items were offloaded and placed where I wanted. Everything was perfect from start to finish. Mick even stored my items until I was ready for delivery just before Christmas. Everything was handled with the utmost care. Very professional service but with a personal touch. Very honest , hardworking and caring company.”Survey feedback January 2019

“We couldn’t have asked for a better service, or a better team. Mick and his colleagues are second to none and we would highly recommend them.

Jane and Kevin, 23rd December 2018

“Just a great service and it is truly door to door. But what makes this truly 5 star is the people and the care they take on all items being moved. Thanks again.”

Survey feedback November 2018

“A fantastic service from a professional company . No ifs, buts or maybe’s – top notch.”

Adrian Faulkner, 26th October 2018

“After a major warehousing company let me down with a removal due to poor communication, I contacted Indalo Transport and they very swiftly saved the day. Wonderful service and the two lads who did the removal couldn’t have been nicer. I’l like to wish Indalo Transport every success Hugely recommended.”Trading Standards website feedback October 2018

“All work carried out speedily, efficiently and with a great deal of care. Overall, one of the best removals we have experienced for many years”

Trading Standards website feedback September 2018

“Indalo Transport moved us from Spain to UK. From the outset their service was excellent. The survey of our property in Spain was undertaken professionally, the amount of packaging estimated was spot on and the collection process was performed quickly and professionally…. everything arrived on time… I have no hesitation in recommending them.”

Phil Tottie, Trading Standards website feedback 8th September 2018

“We couldn’t have contemplated the move without Indalo Transport. Mick Cox and his team are amazing and their calm “can do” attitude is such a support in the extremely stressful business of moving. I have no hesitation in recommending their services as they are professional and also fully insured.”Trading Standards website feedback August 2018

“We were extremely happy with the service. We would highly recommend Indalo Transport. The service was professional, efficient and friendly. Five star service!”

Olga Otero Frutos, 20th August 2018

“Mick was flexible, prompt, professional and did a fantastic job. Moving from Sheffield to Spain was a positive experience with Indalo.”I’ve …. would like to add a personal thanks for the excellent service. We were delighted with your prompt, professional response and you were head and shoulders above any of the other companies we contacted.”Peter Sloan, 6th June 2018

“Mick was friendly and helpful, nothing was to much trouble. Very professional specialised packing of a few of our delicate and much loved items. Kept us well informed through the process. Excellent service, many thanks.”

Ray & Zelda, 22nd April 2018

“I am so pleased we found Mick and his team to do our removal. They moved us from Mojacar in Almeria to El Carmoli in Murcia. They made the whole experience fun and easy. They were totally professional, very friendly and cheerful, and extremely respectful and careful with all our belongings. I am confident in recommending them to do a great job. Thank you so much”

Gill & Jonnie, 15th March 2018

“Mick & his crew are efficient, careful & very good at what they do. Use them.”“Very efficient and friendly service. Any questions and queries were answered very quickly. All times and dates were adhered to. No hesitation in recommending.”

Survey Feedback October 2017

“Have to say I was a bit apprehensive about paying in full up front, but there was not need to worry. Excellent professional service in every way. Everything was covered, roped down to ship, on arrival at the destination, as our possesions were unloaded the packing blankets and tie ropes were neatly folded and packed away – the sign of a true professional, and a very pleasant bloke to deal with THANK YOU VERY MUCH”

Barbara and Gordon Meekings, 22nd September 2017

“Very reliable, just as I’d been told. Mick has an excellent reputation for a reason; that’s why we used him to transport our goods from the mountains of Andalucia to the middle of Exmoor National Park. Very professional service!”

Mike Lamb, 23rd April 2017

“Excellent service, would award 6 stars if at all possible, delivered on time and in perfect condition.”

Gillian Sharpe, 18th March 2017

“Mick kept in touch throughout the whole process and was punctual at all times.Pleasant business dealings are rare today and dealing with Mick was a pleasure. Well Done!”

Rod Kennedy, 7th February 2017

“Great from the word go. Took the stress out of everything and worked around us. Great company who couldn’t do enough for you and it all came with a smile. Great work , I would recommend you to everyone.”

Sue Harwood, Trading Standards feedback, February 17th 2016

“We used Indalo to ship our personal effects from Spain to UK … Subsequently we shipped the same effects to Cyprus … we were very impressed with the professionalism and commitment of Mick Cox in following up every element of this unusual arrangement. Thank you Mick.”

Stewart & Penny Waddell, 6th January 2016

“Thank you Mick and I will without doubt recommend you to others and you will certainly be first on the list should we have any future removal requirements for Spain and beyond! Thanks again and keep up the good work. It really is refreshing to encounter someone who is doing the job right from start to finish.”

Jan Cameron, 22nd November 2015

“Absolutely perfect service, came out to see us on a Sunday morning as we had an early fight Monday everyone involved both in Spain and the U.K. was extremely impressed”

Peter Emmerson-Darnell, 19th October 2015

“I would recommend Mick and Indalo Transport to anyone. Mick was courteous, prompt and efficient. All we had to do was show him what was to be transported and he did the rest: provided boxes, carefully packed everything into the boxes and loaded them onto his van to be delivered on time, as arranged, several days later to us in the UK.”